"They're fancy talkers about themselves, writers. If I had to give young writers advice, I would say don't listen to writers talking about writing or themselves"

This quote by Lillian Hellman is a warning to young authors to not listen from other authors. Hellman is recommending that authors are typically too self-involved and self-promoting to be trusted with providing recommendations. She is indicating that writers are most likely to talk about themselves and their own writing than to provide beneficial advice to others. Hellman is suggesting that young writers should look in other places for advice, such as from experienced editors or mentors. She is also implying that authors must focus on their own work and not be sidetracked by the words of other writers. Hellman's suggestions is to remain concentrated on one's own writing and not be swayed by the words of other writers.