How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
So I tell them what it will be like for me at the desk the next morning when I sit down to work, with a few ideas and a lot of blank paper, with hideous conceit and low self-esteem in equal measure, fingers poised on the keyboard. I tell them they'll want to be really good right off, and they may not be, but they might be good someday if they just keep the faith and keep practicing. (Introduction.54)
Writing is kind of like shooting hoops or playing electric guitar; it's not so much about obvious talent as it is about doing it over and over. Even a naturally talented writer isn't going to get very far without hard work.
Quote #8
Another piece of the solution came when a poem by Clive James, called "The Book of My Enemy Has Been Remaindered," appeared one Sunday in The New York Times Book Review. "The book of my enemy has been remaindered," it begins, "And I am pleased." It helped more than words can say. Oh, what blessed relief for someone to be as jealous and spiteful as me and to make those feelings funny. I called everyone whose advice I had sought and read it to them. Everybody howled with recognition. (18.26)
One of the most endearing things about Lamott is her honesty. Even when she's being honest about just how hard life as a writer can be. Here she's talking about how publication and recognition are not necessarily fair: some bad writers with their bad books are gonna get rich and famous, and there will be people out there talking about how great they are…even if they really are crap. That's just how it works, and you're gonna get angry about it.
Quote #9
"Beth, Beth," the shop owner called out suddenly. "Come here!" A young woman stepped out from the back room with an expectant look on her face. "Beth," the owner said, "don't I read everything? Tell her!" Beth said yes, yes, this is true, she reads everything. Then the owner looked at me kindly, and said, "Now come on, what's your name?"
I sighed, smiled, and finally said, "Anne Lamott." She stared at me with great concern. The room was very quiet, except for Sam under the dress rack. Then she pursed her lips and slowly shook her head. "No," she said. "I guess not."
It took me about a week and a great deal of cheap chocolate to get over that. But then I remembered that whenever the world throws rose petals at you, which thrill and seduce the ego, beware. The cosmic banana peel is suddenly going to appear underfoot to make sure you don't take it all too seriously, that you don't fill up on junk food. (28.33-35)
One day your Instagram pics are getting hundreds of likes, and the next you post at the wrong time or something, and nobody even seems to bother to look. The cosmic banana peel is a useful idea to have when life goes like this. But it's not just about getting over it when people aren't celebrating your writing. It's also about realizing that real satisfaction comes from more than just quick approval. It comes from writing a darn good book.