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Every morning Quote by Richard Matheson

“Maybe I can do some writing then. The phrase made him sick. It had no meaning anymore. Like a word that is repeated until it becomes gibberish that sentence, for him, had been used to extinction. It sounded silly; like some bit of cliché from a soap opera. Hero saying in dramatic tones – Now, by…” quote by Richard Matheson
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““Maybe I can do some writing then. The phrase made him sick. It had no meaning anymore. Like a word that is repeated until it becomes gibberish that sentence, for him, had been used to extinction. It sounded silly; like some bit of cliché from a soap opera. Hero saying in dramatic tones – Now, by God, maybe I can do some writing. Senseless. For a moment, though, he wondered if it was true. Now that she was leaving could he forget about her and really get some work done? Quit his job? Go somewhere and hold up in a cheap furnished room and write? You have $123.89 in the bank, his mind informed him. He pretended it was the only thing that kept him from it. But, far back in his mind, he wondered if he could write anything. Often the question threw itself at him when he was least expecting it. You have four hours every morning, the statement would rise like a menacing wraith. You have time to write many thousands of words. Why don't you? And the answer was always lost in a tangle of becauses and wells and endless reasons that he clung to like a drowning man at straws.(“Mad House”)””

Richard Matheson

About This Quote

Source Novel: Mad House by Richard Matheson, 1975

A writer wrestles with self‑doubt, financial pressure, and the paralysis of endless excuses that prevent him from creating.

In simple terms: He feels stuck, questioning his ability and motivation to write.

Key Takeaway

Identify and confront the excuses that block your work.

Themes

self‑doubt creativity financial stress procrastination identity

Mood

frustrated reflective determined

Type

literary psychological motivational

When to use this quote

  • writing routine
  • budget constraints
  • career change
  • personal crisis

Key Concepts

existential crisis creative block self‑sabotage

Questions to Reflect On

  • What concrete habit could break the cycle of excuses?
  • How does financial anxiety shape creative decisions?
A Different Perspective

The narrative may romanticize struggle, ignoring practical steps to overcome it.

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