I always say three things make a writer: inspiration, obviously perspiration, doing the work. But the third is desperation. I'm not really fit for anything else, or to have a real job. That fear drives me. The pressure has always been self inflicted.

Summary

In this quote, the speaker highlights three essential elements that contribute to becoming a successful writer: inspiration, hard work (perspiration), and desperation. While inspiration and perspiration are often acknowledged as vital, the author believes that desperation is equally important. They reflect on feeling unfit for other careers and rely on the fear and pressure of not succeeding as a driving force to continue their writing journey. This self-inflicted pressure serves as a constant motivation to push themselves to excel in their craft.

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