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

Quote by Irwin Shaw

Topics: Irwin Shaw Quotes

A writer is a human being. He has to live with a sense of honor.

A writer is a human being. He has to live with a sense of honor.

It's those damn critics again.

It's those damn critics again.

Special-interest magazines are dangerous places for writers to start out in because the writing quickly...

Special-interest magazines are dangerous places for writers to start out in because the writing quickly...

When I started out in the early 1930s, there were a great many magazines that...

When I started out in the early 1930s, there were a great many magazines that...

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

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

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...

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

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

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 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...

I've gone on the wagon, but my body doesn't believe it.

I've gone on the wagon, but my body doesn't believe it.

No writer need feel sorry for himself if he writes and enjoys it, even if...

No writer need feel sorry for himself if he writes and enjoys it, even if...

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 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...

The last paragraph, in which you tell what the story is about, is almost always...

The last paragraph, in which you tell what the story is about, is almost always...

The great writers just kept bringing them out. They didn't care if they repeated themselves.

The great writers just kept bringing them out. They didn't care if they repeated themselves.

Writing is like a contact sport, like football. You can get hurt, but you enjoy...

Writing is like a contact sport, like football. You can get hurt, but you enjoy...

You have to expect the raps when you have achieved popularity as a writer.

You have to expect the raps when you have achieved popularity as a writer.

I'm not as hopeful as I was when I was young.

I'm not as hopeful as I was when I was young.

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.

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

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