Almost everyone can remember losing his or her virginity, and most writers can remember the first book he/she put down thinking: I can do better than this. Hell, I am doing better than this! What could be more encouraging to the struggling writer than to realize his/her work is unquestionably better than that of someone who actually got paid for his/her stuff?

Summary

This quote captures the relatable experiences of two milestones: losing one's virginity and a writer's critical moment. It suggests that just as memories of losing virginity stick, writers also vividly recall the first book they deemed subpar, feeling confident they can create superior work. The quote then reflects on the encouragement this realization brings. It highlights the reassurance and motivation for aspiring writers, who discover that their own creations surpass published works, acting as a boost in their pursuit of literary excellence.

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