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Articles Quote by Shirley Hazzard

“A poet or novelist will invent interruptions to avoid long consecutive days at the ordained page; and of these the most pernicious are other kinds of writing -- articles, lectures, reviews, a wide correspondence.” quote by Shirley Hazzard
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“A poet or novelist will invent interruptions to avoid long consecutive days at the ordained page; and of these the most pernicious are other kinds of writing -- articles, lectures, reviews, a wide correspondence.”

Shirley Hazzard

About This Quote

Source Essay: “The Art of Writing”, 1975

Writers create diversions like articles and lectures to avoid prolonged focus on their main work, which can be harmful.

In simple terms: Writers use side projects to escape main writing, which can be harmful.

Key Takeaway

Balance core writing with purposeful breaks.

Themes

writing focus distraction creativity productivity

Mood

thoughtful analytical

Type

philosophical practical

When to use this quote

  • research projects
  • teaching
  • editing
  • correspondence
  • creative workshops

Key Concepts

literary theory time management psychology

Questions to Reflect On

  • What diversions help your main work?
  • How to set limits on interruptions?
A Different Perspective

Side tasks may become procrastination, diluting progress on primary goals.

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