"I didn't know writers could be real live people, because I never knew any writers"

This quote by Rita Dove talks to the concept that authors can usually be seen as mystical and distant figures, as opposed to real people. It suggests that the author's craft can be viewed as something that is unattainable as well as out of reach, as opposed to something that is accessible and possible. This might be as a result of the reality that many individuals do not know any kind of writers personally, therefore they do not have a concrete connection to the craft. Dove's quote also speaks to the idea that creating can be seen as a singular activity, which writers can be viewed as isolated from the rest of the world. This could be because writing is commonly a really personal and introspective activity, therefore it can be hard for authors to get in touch with others. Ultimately, Dove's quote speaks to the suggestion that composing can be seen as something that is mysterious as well as distant, instead of something that comes as well as achievable.