Quote by Charles Dickens
For a week or a fortnight I can write prodigiously in a retired place (as at Broadstairs), and a day in London sets me up again and starts me. But the toil and labour of writing, day after day, without that magic lantern, is IMMENSE!!... My figures seem disposed to stagnate without crowds about them.
Summary
This quote reflects the author's need for a balance between solitude and social stimulation in order to enhance their writing process. The author finds that spending time in a tranquil setting allows them to write extensively, as uninterrupted environments foster productivity. Conversely, spending a day in a bustling city like London reenergizes and inspires them. The author acknowledges the immense difficulty of writing tirelessly without occasional immersion in a lively environment, as the absence of external stimuli and the absence of an engaged audience negatively impact their creative flow and motivation.