"I had to wait for a long time before I could support myself with writing. However, being a writer is what I have most wanted to be, from the time I was a child"

Margaret Mahy articulates the persistent reality faced by many aspiring writers: the journey toward achieving financial stability through creative work often demands patience, persistence, and resilience. She acknowledges that the path to making a living as a writer was not immediate, but instead required a prolonged period of perseverance. The admission of having to "wait for a long time" captures both the practical and emotional challenges she encountered. It suggests the uncertainty and perhaps frustration that accompanies any labor of love that might not instantly bear fruit, especially in a field as competitive as writing.

Despite these hardships, Mahy's unwavering dedication to her craft shines through. Her declaration that writing has been her deepest ambition since childhood conveys a sense of passion and vocation. Growing up with a clear and abiding sense of purpose, she nurtured a vision of herself as a writer long before that dream was recognized or rewarded by society. This ongoing commitment, stretching from youth into adulthood, underscores the idea that genuine creative pursuits are often fueled not by immediate rewards, but by a profound internal desire.

Her words speak to the sacrifices inherent in following artistic dreams, particularly when external validation or economic security arrives slowly, if at all. Mahy's experience resonates with anyone who grapples with the tension between personal aspiration and societal expectations, especially in careers that may not promise quick financial return. Her story serves as reassurance and encouragement, affirming that delayed success is not uncommon for those in the arts, and that holding on to a childhood dream, even through periods of uncertainty, can eventually yield fulfillment and sustainability.

By balancing the acknowledgment of struggle with an affirmation of passion, Mahy highlights both the difficulties and the profound satisfaction that can come from pursuing one's true calling, regardless of how long that journey takes.