Writing is a solitary occupation. Family friends and society are the natural enemies of the writer. He must be alone uninterrupted and slightly savage if he is to sustain and complete an undertaking.
In my time and neighborhood (and in my soul) there was only one standard by...
But the wicked passions of men's hearts alone seem strong enough to leave...
Ability is what you're capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it.