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About this quote

What does it mean?
Every book faces challenges that only become clear after initial enthusiasm fades.
In plain terms
Writing gets harder once the first excitement wears off.
What can you take from it?
Expect difficulties in creative work after the start.

Where it applies

  • writing projects
  • artistic work
  • long term goals

Putting it to work

  • plan for persistence
  • break work down
  • expect dips

Questions to consider

  • How do you sustain effort?
  • What happens after the excitement?

Another view

Some ideas stay exciting to the end.

More from Annie Dillard

  1. Eskimo: 'If I did not know about God and sin, would I go to Hell?'

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  2. How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives.

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  3. As soon as beauty is sought not from religion and love, but for pleasure, it degrades the seeker.

    Permalink to quote #2

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