"On the other hand, I mean, that is what writers have always been supposed to do, was to rely on their own devices and to - I mean, writing is a lonely business"

Donna Tartt’s reflection touches on the solitary nature of writing and the fundamental expectations placed upon writers. She notes that writers must rely on their "own devices", suggesting a self-sufficiency that is intrinsic to the craft. Writing demands a kind of inner resourcefulness, an ability to draw from one’s own imagination, experiences, and observations without necessarily depending on the direct input or comfort of others. Independence is not just preferred; it is necessary. This self-reliance can often feel like both a burden and a privilege.

Describing writing as a "lonely business", Tartt acknowledges the psychological and emotional territory many writers must navigate. Unlike professions grounded in collaboration or team dynamics, writing typically pulls a person inward, into the realm of their thoughts, doubts, and creative impulses. The loneliness Tartt refers to is not strictly negative; it can be fertile ground for original thought and personal revelation. Yet, it carries a certain isolation, a demand that the writer confronts herself and the material in an unmediated, often unforgiving way.

Tartt’s words also hint at a tradition: that writers, historically and culturally, have always been envisioned as solitary figures, scribes at their desks late into the night, pursuing their craft without external validation. This cultural mythos, while romanticized, reflects a reality of internal scrutiny and perseverance. It is this very act of "relying on their own devices" that allows authentic voices to emerge, voices not diluted by collective compromise.

Ultimately, Tartt recognizes the dual-edged sword of the writing life, the expectation of internal ingenuity and the unavoidable solitude. Far from diminishing the experience, these elements define the writer’s path, shaping the work that arises from such focused, self-sustained labor. The loneliness and self-reliance are intertwined, forming the crucible in which literature is forged.