So you can't make a living as a novelist–why not try farming or teaching? Or even begging–what difficulties would that present? Were you born into the world to make a living? Or have you another aim, that of becoming a novelist or something akin? If you want to become a novelist but are worried about how you will eat, then let me share my bowl of rice with you (thoughI am not as well off as I once was). If, in return, you become a great novelist, it will be my greatest joy. I do not presume to urge you to become a novelist. I say only this–be firm of purpose and don't worry about trivialities. And remember the saying: the final tax you pay to achieve your goal is your life. Masaoka Shiki
About This Quote

For anyone who has ever dreamed of becoming a writer, this quote is extremely encouraging. It brings up the point that even if you are not great at writing, it is important to keep trying. You can become a better writer by reading and learning from the best writers in the world! When people hear about writers who have made it big, they often say, “No one would ever be able to write like that!” But these writers didn’t become successful overnight. They spent years honing their craft and learning from other writers. If you are persistent, no matter how many times you fall down you will eventually make your way up.

Some Similar Quotes
  1. You've gotta dance like there's nobody watching, Love like you'll never be hurt, Sing like there's nobody listening, And live like it's heaven on earth. - William W. Purkey

  2. Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that. - Unknown

  3. The opposite of love is not hate, it's indifference. The opposite of art is not ugliness, it's indifference. The opposite of faith is not heresy, it's indifference. And the opposite of life is not death, it's indifference. - Elie Wiesel

  4. This life is what you make it. No matter what, you're going to mess up sometimes, it's a universal truth. But the good part is you get to decide how you're going to mess it up. Girls will be your friends - they'll act like... - Marilyn Monroe

  5. When I despair, I remember that all through history the way of truth and love have always won. There have been tyrants and murderers, and for a time, they can seem invincible, but in the end, they always fall. Think of it--always. - Mahatma Gandhi

More Quotes By Masaoka Shiki
  1. So you can't make a living as a novelist–why not try farming or teaching? Or even begging–what difficulties would that present? Were you born into the world to make a living? Or have you another aim, that of becoming a novelist or something akin? If...

Related Topics