“I Have Tried to Spin Out Words… This Is Only Skim Milk…”

A 1905 letter from Virginia Woolf offers comfort to anyone who lacks confidence in their own work. As a young, would-be writer, Woolf herself expressed doubt about her own abilities. It would be another 23 years before she published her groundbreaking essay, “A Room of One’s Own.” This is part of a complete episode.
Transcript of “”I Have Tried to Spin Out Words… This Is Only Skim Milk…””

Here’s something I found inspiring and encouraging. In 1905, Virginia Woolf wrote a letter to a friend of hers, and she said no one really takes very much interest. Why should they in my scribblings?

Do you think I shall ever write a really good book?

You know, 23 years later, she published A Room of One’s Own. And I’m just thinking, you know, you got to stay with it. And I just found it really inspiring that Virginia Woolf doubted herself back then.

I think it’s a sign of someone who has the potential to be successful. When I have been in various writing groups or online forums, you know, in real life or in the digital world, the ones who have an arrogant belief in themselves and utter unshakable confidence just never seem to fulfill their own confidence.

That’s a really good point.

Yeah.

And the ones who question themselves, you know, who live an examined life.

Yeah.

Right. They’re always working on their craft. They’re always working to be better because they doubt their abilities and their capabilities.

Yep.

And then you got to spend that time in the chair, polish that chair.

Yep.

But in seat. Well, put phone to ear, 877-929-9673, or get your thumbs ready and text us toll-free to the same number, 877-929-9673.

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