"That's very nice if they want to publish you, but don't pay too much attention to it. It will toss you away. Just continue to write"
About this Quote
The quote from Natalie Goldberg encourages authors to keep a well balanced point of view on the prospect of being released. It emphasizes that while being accepted by a publisher is an accomplishment worth commemorating, it needs to not end up being the primary focus or inspiration for an author. Goldberg's suggestions to "not pay excessive attention to it" suggests that placing too much significance on external recognition can be destructive. Writers who become exclusively driven by the desire to be released might find themselves at the mercy of varying industry trends, market needs, or the subjective viewpoints of editors and publishers.
The phrase "It will toss you away" implies the capricious nature of the publishing world, where initial acceptance and success do not ensure permanence or continued favor. Writers might be embraced one moment and disregarded the next as tastes and market characteristics shift. Goldberg intimates that equating self-respect or innovative value with publication can cause dissatisfaction or dissuade an author when faced with rejection.
The essence of the guidance lies in the regulation to "simply continue to write". This part of the quote highlights the value of determination and commitment to the craft itself, independent of external rewards or acknowledgment. Composing, according to Goldberg, should be driven by enthusiasm, curiosity, and the intrinsic requirement to express one's ideas and stories. By concentrating on the act of writing instead of the end result of publication, writers cultivate resilience, hone their abilities, and support their imagination.
Ultimately, Goldberg's message has to do with embracing the author's journey with its inherent difficulties and pleasures, without being overly swayed by short lived elements of the publishing procedure. It's a suggestion to value consistency, self-growth, and the fulfillment that originates from the art of composing itself.
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