“I want to have the joy of writing the poem of discovery.”

He valued poetry for the discovery involved in making it, not simply for producing another successful poem. · Conversation with Robert Penn Warren, as recalled by Warren

• Creativity
• Discovery
• Joy

“I hate a professional poet. I know people who have ruined themselves by being professional poets, because they end up imitating themselves.”

A warning that professional success can encourage repetition and stifle artistic renewal. · Conversation with Robert Penn Warren, as recalled by Warren

• Creativity
• Originality
• Writing

“I want to be an amateur. I want to love what I’m doing, to do it for pleasure.”

A striking defence of creative work as a source of pleasure rather than merely a profession. · Conversation with Robert Penn Warren, as recalled by Warren

• Creativity
• Pleasure
• Writing