“When I have an idea, I turn down the flame, as if it were a little alcohol stove, as low as it will go.”

Describing his habit of allowing an idea to develop slowly rather than forcing it immediately · Conversation, as quoted in Charmed Circle

• Creativity
• Imagination
• Patience

“Having books published is very destructive to writing.”

Contrasting the demands and distractions of publication with the private work of creation · Letter to Bernard Berenson, 2 October 1952

• Creativity
• Fame
• Writing

“That terrible mood of depression of whether it's any good or not is what is known as The Artist's Reward.”

Wryly describing the self-doubt that accompanies creative work · Letter to F. Scott Fitzgerald, 13 September 1929

• Creativity
• Despair
• Humour

“For a true writer each book should be a new beginning where he tries again for something that is beyond attainment.”

Describing serious writing as a continual attempt to exceed one's previous achievement · Nobel Prize banquet speech, 1954

• Creativity
• Perseverance
• Writing