"Most of the basic material a writer works with is acquired before the age of fifteen"

This quote by Willa Cather recommends that the majority of the material a writer deals with is acquired during childhood. This suggests that the experiences and understanding acquired during childhood are essential for a writer's work. It recommends that the formative years of an individual's life are the most important for a writer's advancement. It likewise indicates that the author's early life experiences are the structure for their writing. It is during these years that a writer develops their understanding of the world and their own identity, which are important for developing significant stories. Cather's quote highlights the value of childhood experiences for an author's work and recommends that these experiences are the basis for a writer's writing.