Book Quote by Rumer Godden
“For a dyed-in-the-wool author nothing is as dead as a book once it is written ... she is rather like a cat whose kittens have grown up. While they were a-growing she was passionately interested in them but now they seem hardly to belong to her, and probably she is involved with another batch of kittens as I am involved with other writing.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: “On Writing and Cats” by Rumer Godden, 1975
Compares an author’s evolving relationship with their work to a cat’s changing care for its kittens, highlighting detachment after creation.
In simple terms: Authors may feel detached from their finished works.
Key Takeaway
Accept that creations evolve beyond you.
Themes
creativity
attachment
evolution
detachment
Mood
nostalgic
thoughtful
Type
literary
reflective
When to use this quote
- writing process
- career transition
- personal growth
Key Concepts
authorial identity
literary life
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you stay connected to past works?
- What rituals help you re‑engage with old creations?
A Different Perspective
Detachment can lead to loss of passion for new projects.
