"For several days after my first book was published, I carried it about in my pocket and took surreptitious peeps at it to make sure the ink had not faded"

This quote by James M. Barrie speaks with the excitement and pride of having one's very first book published. It is a testament to the joy of seeing one's work in print and the sense of achievement that comes with it. The quote likewise speaks to the vulnerability of being a newbie author, as Barrie felt the need to carry the book around in his pocket and take surreptitious peeks at it to make certain the ink had not faded. This recommends that he was afraid that the book would in some way disappear or that the ink would disappear, taking away the proof of his accomplishment. This quote is a tip of the pleasure and vulnerability of being a newbie author.