Novelists do not write as birds sing, by the push of nature. It is part of the job that there should be much routine and some daily stuff on the level of carpentry.

Meaning of the quote

Writers work hard at their craft, just like carpenters. They don't just write whatever comes to them naturally, like a bird singing. Instead, they have to put in a lot of routine work and daily tasks to create their stories. Writing is a job that requires discipline and effort, not just inspiration.

About William Golding

William Golding was a renowned British author who won the Nobel Prize in Literature for his contributions to the literary world. He is best known for his debut novel, Lord of the Flies, and was awarded the Booker Prize for his novel Rites of Passage. Golding’s remarkable career and accolades make him a fascinating figure in the annals of British literature.

More about the author

More quotes from William Golding

The writer probably knows what he meant when he wrote a book, but he should immediately forget what he meant when he’s written it.

William Golding

British novelist, poet, playwright and Nobel Prize for Literature laureate

Novelists do not write as birds sing, by the push of nature. It is part of the job that there should be much routine and some daily stuff on the level of carpentry.

William Golding

British novelist, poet, playwright and Nobel Prize for Literature laureate

The journey of life is like a man riding a bicycle. We know he got on the bicycle and started to move. We know that at some point he will stop and get off. We know that if he stops moving and does not get off he will fall off.

William Golding

British novelist, poet, playwright and Nobel Prize for Literature laureate

He who rides the sea of the Nile must have sails woven of patience.

William Golding

British novelist, poet, playwright and Nobel Prize for Literature laureate

My yesterdays walk with me. They keep step, they are gray faces that peer over my shoulder.

William Golding

British novelist, poet, playwright and Nobel Prize for Literature laureate

Sleep is when all the unsorted stuff comes flying out as from a dustbin upset in a high wind.

William Golding

British novelist, poet, playwright and Nobel Prize for Literature laureate

Language fits over experience like a straight-jacket.

William Golding

British novelist, poet, playwright and Nobel Prize for Literature laureate

Childhood is a disease – a sickness that you grow out of.

William Golding

British novelist, poet, playwright and Nobel Prize for Literature laureate

What a man does defiles him, not what is done by others.

William Golding

British novelist, poet, playwright and Nobel Prize for Literature laureate