I never show anything to anybody until I've finished it.

Quote by Irwin Shaw

Topics: Irwin Shaw Quotes

At the height of the McCarthy period, writers were being hounded.

At the height of the McCarthy period, writers were being hounded.

I am forced to say that I have many fiercer critics than myself.

I am forced to say that I have many fiercer critics than myself.

I never drink while I'm working, but after a few glasses I get ideas that...

I never drink while I'm working, but after a few glasses I get ideas that...

Writers of fiction, when they begin, are more likely to try the short form.

Writers of fiction, when they begin, are more likely to try the short form.

I cringe when critics say I'm a master of the popular novel. What's an unpopular...

I cringe when critics say I'm a master of the popular novel. What's an unpopular...

In a novel, it's hard to keep track of everybody.

In a novel, it's hard to keep track of everybody.

I haven't stuck to any formula. Most great writers stick to the same style, but...

I haven't stuck to any formula. Most great writers stick to the same style, but...

Posterity makes the judgments. There are going to be a lot of surprises in store...

Posterity makes the judgments. There are going to be a lot of surprises in store...

Writing is finally play, and there's no reason why you should get paid for playing.

Writing is finally play, and there's no reason why you should get paid for playing.

My views naturally have mellowed. Most of the critics have been more or less nice...

My views naturally have mellowed. Most of the critics have been more or less nice...

In America, we have the feeling of the doomed young artist. Fitzgerald was the great...

In America, we have the feeling of the doomed young artist. Fitzgerald was the great...

My attitudes have changed, but somebody would have to read all my books to find...

My attitudes have changed, but somebody would have to read all my books to find...

Every novelist has a different purpose - and often several purposes which might even be...

Every novelist has a different purpose - and often several purposes which might even be...

A good editor understands what you're talking and writing about and doesn't meddle too much.

A good editor understands what you're talking and writing about and doesn't meddle too much.

The writer works in a lonely way.

The writer works in a lonely way.

An absolutely necessary part of a writer's equipment, almost as necessary as talent, is the...

An absolutely necessary part of a writer's equipment, almost as necessary as talent, is the...

People who light up like Roman candles come down in the dark very quickly.

People who light up like Roman candles come down in the dark very quickly.

The romantic idea is that everybody around a writer must suffer for his talent. I...

The romantic idea is that everybody around a writer must suffer for his talent. I...

It's those damn critics again.

It's those damn critics again.

I reach my readers regardless of what the critics have written.

I reach my readers regardless of what the critics have written.