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Book Quote by Madeleine L'Engle

“If I never had another book published, and it was very clear to me that this was a real possibility, I still had to go on writing. I'm glad I made this decision in a moment of failure. It's easy to say you're a writer when things are going well. When the decision is made in the abyss, the in is…” quote by Madeleine L'Engle
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““If I never had another book published, and it was very clear to me that this was a real possibility, I still had to go on writing. I'm glad I made this decision in a moment of failure. It's easy to say you're a writer when things are going well. When the decision is made in the abyss, the in is quite clear that it is not one's own decision at all.””

Madeleine L'Engle

About This Quote

Source Interview: Public talk, 1990s

Continuing to write despite possible failure shows commitment to the craft, not fame.

In simple terms: Write even when success seems unlikely.

Key Takeaway

Persist regardless of outcome.

Themes

determination creativity resilience

Mood

reflective inspirational

Type

philosophical motivational

When to use this quote

  • writing projects
  • career setbacks
  • personal crises

Key Concepts

artist identity intrinsic motivation

Questions to Reflect On

  • What drives you when external rewards vanish?
  • How can failure fuel artistic integrity?
A Different Perspective

Success may not come, but growth occurs through effort.

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