Bullets Quote by Susan Elizabeth Phillips
“I'm just very, very slow. I would not make it as a journalist, I've got to tell you. I sweat bullets over every sentence, and sometimes, you know, a day will pass and I've written one paragraph, and I've been at the computer for four hours.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Author interview, 2021
The speaker feels extremely slow and pressured, fearing they cannot meet journalistic expectations due to intense self‑criticism and perfectionism.
In simple terms: I work too slowly and worry about my writing.
Key Takeaway
Accept imperfect drafts and set time limits.
Themes
self‑doubt
perfectionism
productivity
Mood
anxious
determined
Type
motivational
reflective
When to use this quote
- writing assignments
- deadline pressure
- learning new skills
Key Concepts
impostor syndrome
creative anxiety
time management
Questions to Reflect On
- What small deadline can you set for a draft?
- How can you reframe “sweat bullets” as focus?
A Different Perspective
Speed improves with practice, but perfectionism can stall progress.
