Literary Pride Quotes

'Never Die Alone' is primarily a riveting genre film that neatly exhibits the director's growing assurance - Donald Goines would be proud.

My first book was the most successful debut novel in the U.K. ever and every one of my books has reached number one in the U.K. Clearly the British know brilliance when they see it.

Unfortunately, there are writers whose only concern is how good they could make themselves look on a title.

Never underestimate the narcissism of a writer.

I wish I could go back and rewrite my first book, You Bright and Risen Angels; I could do a better job. But in the meantime, nobody knows as much about my books as I do. Nobody has the right but me to say which words go into my books or get deleted or edited. When I'm dying, I'll smile, knowing I stood up for my books. If I die with more money, that wouldn't bring a smile to my face. Unless I got better drugs or more delicious-looking nurses.

'Tis pleasant, sure, to see one's name in print. A book's a book, although there's nothing in 't.

In political life, dissatisfaction is remedied, or at least combated, through action. For as long as you are not totally satisfied, you remain active and keep going. In literary life, at some point you have to stop and allow others to read what you have written. I find that difficult. I am probably too proud. In any case, that is why I have never published anything. But I do plan to do so one day.

I do think novels are overlooked. I did write one some years ago that I think is quite good, called 'The End of the Story,' not to blow my own horn.

The appellation of a Scottish Bard is by far my highest pride; to continue to deserve it is my most exalted ambition.

I have no doubts that the Devil grins, As seas of ink I spatter. Ye gods, forgive my “literary” sins – The other kind don’t matter.

You love each book. They're your children.

When I was 20 I was immensely proud of the rows of grey-spined Penguin Modern Classics in my bookcase.

I am never indifferent, and never pretend to be, to what people say or think of my books. They are my children, and I like to have them liked.

Arrogant, I think I have written lines which qualify me to be The Poetess of America (as Ted will be The Poet of England and her dominions).

I know that sometimes it happens that a novelist is embarrassed about their early works. For me, it's the opposite: I believe 'Durable Goods' is the best thing I've written.

Gentlemen, I would rather have written those lines than take Quebec tomorrow.

Real men read my books.