"'Made it as a writer'? I'm still wondering if I've made it as a writer. I've made it as a published writer of the type of SF that I want to write and read, but I'm still waiting for that big breakthrough"

This quote by Eric Brown shows the complex, ongoing journey and internal discussion that numerous writers experience, particularly in the speculative fiction (SF) category. At its core, the quote attends to the question of what it implies to have actually "made it" as a writer. Brown acknowledges a considerable turning point: ending up being a released author. For many, this action alone symbolizes a certain level of accomplishment and reliability. Nevertheless, Brown's words recommend that such milestones belong to a bigger continuum instead of a conclusive endpoint.

He compares having "made it" as a published author and accomplishing a wider, maybe more elusive, success defined by a "big advancement". This suggests a much deeper desire not just for publication, but for a sort of recognition or effect that goes beyond simply being published. The "huge breakthrough" might refer to mainstream recognition, commercial success, or important honor-- components that lots of authors pursue but only some attain.

Brown's reflection reveals an inherent tension between individual satisfaction and external recognition. While he is content writing the kind of SF he delights in, suggesting a positioning in between his individual and professional life, he still yearns for recognition that may extend beyond individual gratification. In essence, Brown's declaration records the human yearning for development and validation, exposing how objectives can shift as previous aspirations are attained.

Additionally, the quote highlights the idea that the writing profession, like any imaginative pursuit, is a continuous process of development and making every effort. It highlights the truth that "making it" can be a moving target, specified in a different way by each individual and typically evolving over time. This perspective invites us to appreciate the journey itself and acknowledge that each milestone along the method is both an achievement and a stepping stone to future aspirations.