Skip to content
quotesby

About this quote

What does it mean?
The author states that while writers in America can make a fortune, it is difficult to make a consistent living from writing alone.
In plain terms
In America, a writer might get rich but often cannot earn a steady living from writing.
What can you take from it?
Writing is rarely a reliable source of steady income despite potential riches.

Where it applies

  • career planning
  • freelancing
  • artistic pursuit

Putting it to work

  • diversify income
  • expect financial struggle
  • value art over money

Questions to consider

  • Is writing worth the financial risk?
  • How do you support your art?

Another view

The quote focuses on traditional publishing and ignores modern monetization methods.

More from James Michener

  1. I am terrified of restrictive religious doctrine, having learned from history that when men who adhere to any form of it are in control, common men like me are…

    Permalink to quote #36
  2. Although most of us know Vincent van Gogh in Arles and Paul Gauguin in Tahiti as if they were neighbors - somewhat disreputable but endlessly fascinating - non…

    Permalink to quote #38
  3. I am a humanist because I think humanity can, with constant moral guidance, create reasonably decent societies. I think that young people who want to understan…

    Permalink to quote #35

Related quotes

  1. I don't care what they do with my book so long as the fucking cheque clears.

    Chuck PalahniukChuck Palahniuk quote #10
  2. I regard criticism as an art, and if in this country and in this age it is practiced with honesty, it is no more remunerative than the work of an avant-garde f…

    Pauline KaelPauline Kael quote #1
  3. I've lived on royalties all my life. It is the readers who have supported me.

    Ba JinBa Jin quote #5