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When writing goes painfully, when it’s hideously difficult, and one feels real despair (ah, the despair, silly as it is, is real!)–then naturally one ought to continue with the work; it would be cowardly to retreat. But when writing goes smoothly–why then one certainly should keep on working, since it would be stupid to stop. Consequently one is always writing or should be writing.
— Joyce Carol Oates
Tags: writing

Other Quotes by "Joyce Carol Oates"

I'm drawn to failure. I feel like I'm contending with it constantly in my own life.
— Joyce Carol Oates
Tags: like, feel, failure, life
A daydreamer is prepared for most things.
— Joyce Carol Oates
Tags: inspirational, hope
I think it's very important for writers and artists generally to be witnesses to the world, and to be transparent. To let other people speak... to travel... to experience the world. And memorialize it.
— Joyce Carol Oates
Tags: travel, world, people, experience
I would suggest the widow do things the husband used to do, so he seems to be there with you. You will feel like just going to bed. It's so wonderful, going to bed.
— Joyce Carol Oates
Tags: husband, will, feel, you
I should say, one of the things about being a widow or a widower, you really, really need a sense of humor, because everything's going to fall apart.
— Joyce Carol Oates
Tags: things, fall, humor, you
View More by "Joyce Carol Oates"
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