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About this quote

What does it mean?
The author questions reading their own work due to intimate knowledge of its flaws and creation process.
In plain terms
I don't read my own books because I know how flawed they are.
What can you take from it?
Knowing the flaws in your own work can make it hard to enjoy.

Where it applies

  • creative burnout
  • self-criticism

Putting it to work

  • managing creative expectations
  • evaluating personal work

Questions to consider

  • Why do creators struggle to enjoy their own art?
  • Is self-criticism a barrier to appreciation?

Another view

It ignores the value of seeing how one's work evolves over time.

More from Stephen King

  1. A good idea is like a yo-yo-it may go to the end of its string, but it doesn't die there; it only sleeps. Eventually it rolls back up into your palm.

    Permalink to quote #152
  2. I've said it before, and I'll say it again. When you find something at which you have talent, you do that thing (what ever it is) until your fingers bleed or y…

    Permalink to quote #151
  3. You can't deny laughter; when it comes, it plops down in your favorite chair and stays as long as it wants.

    Permalink to quote #150

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