Ability Quote by Neil Cross
“I wrote 'Mr. In-Between' very quickly when I was about 23. I wrote the penultimate chapter, then realised I'd done something which was written to the best of my abilities. I panicked. I hesitated to finish the final chapter and went into withdrawal for three years. I decided to pick it up again after I went drinking with author Tim Binding.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Discussion about writing process, 2021
The author struggled with perfectionism, causing a long pause before completing a novel
In simple terms: Perfectionism halted progress, leading to a three‑year break
Key Takeaway
Accept imperfect drafts and keep moving forward
Themes
creativity
self‑doubt
productivity
Mood
reflective
inspirational
Type
creative
motivational
When to use this quote
- author workshops
- self‑editing
- creative retreats
Key Concepts
writing process
mental health
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance quality and momentum?
- What habits help overcome writer’s block?
A Different Perspective
Perfectionism can paralyze creative work
