Nothing stinks like a pile of unpublished writing.
Meaning of the quote
This quote means that writing that no one gets to read is really frustrating and unpleasant. Sylvia Plath, an American poet, is saying that having a lot of writing that you've worked hard on but haven't shared with anyone feels like a waste and isn't very satisfying. The quote uses the word "stinks" to show how bad it can feel when your writing isn't published or shared.
About Sylvia Plath
Sylvia Plath was an acclaimed American poet, novelist, and short story writer. She is known for her pioneering work in confessional poetry and her acclaimed works like The Colossus, Ariel, and The Bell Jar. Plath had a tumultuous personal life, struggling with clinical depression and tragically taking her own life in 1963 at the age of 30.
More quotes from Sylvia Plath
Apparently, the most difficult feat for a Cambridge male is to accept a woman not merely as feeling, not merely as thinking, but as managing a complex, vital interweaving of both.
American poet and writer (1932-1963)
But life is long. And it is the long run that balances the short flare of interest and passion.
American poet and writer (1932-1963)
The blood jet is poetry and there is no stopping it.
American poet and writer (1932-1963)
Dying is an art, like everything else. I do it exceptionally well. I do it so it feels like hell. I do it so it feels real. I guess you could say I’ve a call.
American poet and writer (1932-1963)
I talk to God but the sky is empty.
American poet and writer (1932-1963)
There must be quite a few things that a hot bath won’t cure, but I don’t know many of them.
American poet and writer (1932-1963)
Is there no way out of the mind?
American poet and writer (1932-1963)
I took a deep breath and listened to the old bray of my heart. I am. I am. I am.
American poet and writer (1932-1963)
I shut my eyes and all the world drops dead; I lift my eyes and all is born again.
American poet and writer (1932-1963)
I am too pure for you or anyone.
American poet and writer (1932-1963)
If neurotic is wanting two mutually exclusive things at one and the same time, then I’m neurotic as hell. I’ll be flying back and forth between one mutually exclusive thing and another for the rest of my days.
American poet and writer (1932-1963)
How frail the human heart must be – a mirrored pool of thought.
American poet and writer (1932-1963)
Perhaps when we find ourselves wanting everything, it is because we are dangerously close to wanting nothing.
American poet and writer (1932-1963)
And by the way, everything in life is writable about if you have the outgoing guts to do it, and the imagination to improvise. The worst enemy to creativity is self-doubt.
American poet and writer (1932-1963)
Kiss me and you will see how important I am.
American poet and writer (1932-1963)
Widow. The word consumes itself.
American poet and writer (1932-1963)
Nothing stinks like a pile of unpublished writing.
American poet and writer (1932-1963)