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But it's writing, damn it, not washing the car or putting on eyeliner. If you can take it seriously, we can do business. If you can't or won't, it's time for you to close the book and do something else. Wash the car, maybe.
Stephen King
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Writing is a serious endeavor that requires commitment; if you cannot approach it as such, it's better to pursue something else.

In this quote, Stephen King emphasizes the importance of treating writing as a serious and dedicated craft, rather than a trivial task. He underscores that if someone is not willing to engage with this art form earnestly, they should consider stepping away and focusing on less demanding activities, illustrating the need for passion and commitment in the creative process.

Themes

WritingSeriousnessCommitmentArtCreativity

In practice

Example use cases

During a writers' workshop to encourage participants to take their craft seriously.

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Quote by Stephen King | QuoteProject