A ratio of failures is built into the process of writing. The wastebasket has evolved for a reason

A ratio of failures is built into the process of writing. The wastebasket has evolved for a reason

Margaret Atwood, a renowned Canadian author, once said, "A ratio of failures is built into the process of writing. The wastebasket has evolved for a reason." This quote perfectly encapsulates the reality of the writing process and the importance of embracing failure as a necessary part of the creative journey.

Atwood's words highlight the fact that writing is not a linear process where every word written is a masterpiece. In fact, writing is often messy, chaotic, and filled with mistakes. It is through these failures that writers learn, grow, and ultimately improve their craft. The wastebasket, in this context, symbolizes the space where these failures are discarded, allowing room for new ideas to flourish.

For Atwood, failure is not something to be feared or avoided, but rather embraced as an essential part of the creative process. In her own writing career, Atwood has faced numerous rejections, setbacks, and failures. However, she has always persevered, using these experiences to fuel her creativity and push herself to new heights.

One of Atwood's most famous works, "The Handmaid's Tale," was rejected by multiple publishers before finally finding a home. This rejection could have easily discouraged Atwood, but instead, she used it as motivation to continue refining and improving her work. The end result was a groundbreaking novel that has since become a classic of dystopian literature.

Atwood's words serve as a reminder to aspiring writers that failure is not the end of the road, but rather a stepping stone towards success. Every discarded idea, every rejected manuscript, and every failed attempt is a valuable learning experience that can ultimately lead to greater creativity and innovation.