Ma's still nodding. "You're the one who matters, though. Just you." I shake my head till it's wobbling because there's no just me.
Emma DonoghueRead
You cannot predict literary success; the only way you can possibly aim for it is to do your thing and do it well.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Literary success cannot be foreseen; focus on your craft and excel at it.
Emma Donoghue's quote highlights the unpredictable nature of achieving success in writing. Rather than trying to anticipate or chase after success, the emphasis is placed on the importance of dedicating oneself to writing authentically and skillfully, as excellence in one's craft is the best path toward potential success.
Themes
LiterarySuccessCraftExcellenceAuthenticity
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a speech about the journey of becoming a writer.
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At the door, there was one of those moment when two people realize that they like each other more than they know each other. This is nicer than the opposite situation, but more awkward. You try to remember the protocol for touching. You hate to gush, or presume to much, yet you are unwilling to let the moment pass without without some gesture
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Books are the air I breathe, so I don't notice the seasons.
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Writing stories is my way of scratching that itch: my escape from the claustrophobia of individuality. It lets me, at least for a while, live more than one life, walk more than one path. Reading, of course, can do the same.
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...real loneliness is having no one to miss. Think yourself lucky you've known something worth missing.
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