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Assistants Quote by William Landay

“When I was 30 or so - by that time I had become an assistant D.A. - I decided I would try to write a novel. To be clear: I did not decide to become a novelist. Honestly, it never crossed my mind that I could actually earn a living as a professional novelist.” quote by William Landay
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“When I was 30 or so - by that time I had become an assistant D.A. - I decided I would try to write a novel. To be clear: I did not decide to become a novelist. Honestly, it never crossed my mind that I could actually earn a living as a professional novelist.”

William Landay

About This Quote

Source Interview: Author interview, 2015, published in The New York Times

A person can start a new creative pursuit without initially planning it as a career, discovering unexpected possibilities through experimentation.

In simple terms: You can try something new without it being a career plan.

Key Takeaway

Explore creative projects for their own sake.

Themes

creativity career selfdiscovery

Mood

inspired curious

Type

motivational reflective

When to use this quote

  • writing a novel
  • career transition
  • personal growth
  • hobby turning professional

Key Concepts

identity risktaking skilldevelopment

Questions to Reflect On

  • What creative activity could you start today without pressure?
  • How might you balance passion with practical needs?
A Different Perspective

Success may depend on market demand and sustained effort, not just initial curiosity.

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