“When writing goes painfully, when it’s hideously difficult, and one feels real despair (ah, the despair, silly as it is, is real!)–then naturally one ought to continue with the work; it would be cowardly to retreat. But when writing goes smoothly–why then one certainly should keep on working, since it would be stupid to stop. Consequently one is always writing or should be writing.” –Joyce Carol Oates 1
- The Journal of Joyce Carol Oates 1973-1982, 277. [↩]
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
I should be writing too. I’ve forgotten what it feels like when it goes well, its been so long…
I should be writing too. This is a great quote, Ashley. Thanks for sharing.
This is good advice. Such a wise lady.
Good quote. Joyce Carol Oates is a little eccentric, but definitely brilliant.
I love that quote.
Wait, writing sometimes goes smoothly?
What a fantastic quote! Thanks so much for sharing it. And I agree with everyone here — I should be writing, too.