The best way a writer can find to keep himself going is to live off his (or her) spouse. The trouble is that, psychologically at least, it’s hard. Our culture teaches none of its false lessons more carefully than that one should never be dependent. Hence the novice or still unsuccessful writer, who has enough trouble believing in himself, has the added burden of shame. It’s hard to be a good writer and a guilty person; a lack of self-respect creeps into one’s prose. John Gardner
About This Quote

In this quote, it is suggested that writers should not rely on their spouse for financial support as it is a difficult thing to do. If a writer does not have enough self-respect he or she will feel ashamed to ask their spouse for help which will make it difficult for the writer to produce good writing.

Source: On Becoming A Novelist

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