Advice-for-writers Quote by Steven Heighton
“Interest is never enough. If it doesn't haunt you, you'll never write it well. What haunts and obsesses you may, with luck and labour, interest your readers. What merely interests you is sure to bore them. (from Workbook)”
About This Quote
Source Workbook: Unknown author, unknown year
Passion must be intense enough to haunt you; mere interest leads to bland work, while obsession fuels compelling creation.
In simple terms: Obsess to create well.
Cultivate deep, personal connection to your subject.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- novel writing
- journalism
- art projects
- personal essays
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What haunts your creative mind?
- How do you balance obsession with self‑care?
Obsessive focus can cause burnout or neglect of other duties.