--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: You know that feeling when you finish a…" description: "\"You know that feeling when you finish a final exam and you think, 'I never want to do that again'? Well I have the same feeling when I finish a novel. ..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/299/wilbur-smith-7617_exam_you-know-that-feeling-when-you-finish-a_1998214.jpg" --- # You know that feeling when you finish a final exam and you… ![“You know that feeling when you finish a final exam and you think, 'I never want to do that again'? Well I have the same feeling when I finish a novel. Each time I say, 'I think I may retire now' and then after six months the ideas start to churn again. I could never stop.” quote by Wilbur Smith](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/299/wilbur-smith-7617_exam_you-know-that-feeling-when-you-finish-a_1998214.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/299/wilbur-smith-7617_exam_you-know-that-feeling-when-you-finish-a_1998214.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/299/wilbur-smith-7617_exam_you-know-that-feeling-when-you-finish-a_1998214.jpg) > “You know that feeling when you finish a final exam and you think, 'I never want to do that again'? Well I have the same feeling when I finish a novel. Each time I say, 'I think I may retire now' and then after six months the ideas start to churn again. I could never stop.” [Wilbur Smith](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/wilbur-smith/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Finishing a novel triggers a desire to retire, yet creative ideas re‑emerge, making cessation impossible. **In simple terms:** Writers feel relief after finishing but ideas keep returning. Key Takeaway Accept that creativity is cyclical, not final. Themes creativity fatigue renewal Mood reflective hopeful Type personal motivational When to use this quote - writing - publishing - career planning - mental health Key Concepts creative cycle artist’s block inspiration Questions to Reflect On - What triggers your creative resurgence? - Can you schedule intentional breaks? A Different Perspective The urge to retire may be a temporary respite, not a permanent end. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Exam](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/exam/) [Feelings](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/feelings/) [Final Exam](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/final-exam/) [Final exams](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/final-exams/) [Ideas](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/ideas/) [Novel](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/novel/) [Thinking](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/thinking/) [Writer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/writer/) ## Related quotes > [One of the leading causes of divorce is sexual incompatibility. Why not mandate premarital sex, overseen, of course, by the Marriage Board to ensure…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mike-rosen/one-of-the-leading-causes-of-divorce-is-sexual-incompatibility-why/) Mike Rosen > [Being a teenager is the worst thirty years of your life. 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