Meaning: This quote is from the renowned American author, Nora Ephron. It reflects her self-deprecating humor and wit, often found in her essays and writings. Ephron was a prolific writer, best known for her screenplays for movies like "When Harry Met Sally," "Sleepless in Seattle," and "You've Got Mail." She was also an accomplished essayist, known for her sharp observations on modern life, relationships, and feminism.

In this quote, Ephron humorously remarks on her writing style, suggesting that her prose may come across as if English were her second language. She exaggerates the feeling of struggling through her own writing, using vivid imagery of dodging bullets and gasping for breath by the end of a paragraph. This self-critique is characteristic of Ephron's style, as she often infused her writing with self-awareness and humor.

Ephron's comment on her prose can be interpreted in several ways. On one level, it may reflect her perfectionism as a writer. Despite her success and acclaim, she was known to be meticulous about her work, constantly revising and refining her writing to achieve the desired effect. By likening her writing process to dodging bullets and gasping for breath, Ephron may be acknowledging the intense effort she puts into crafting each paragraph to meet her high standards.

Furthermore, the remark could also be seen as a playful nod to the challenges of expressing oneself eloquently in a language as complex as English. Ephron, known for her conversational and relatable writing style, may be intentionally downplaying her own linguistic abilities to connect with her audience on a more intimate level. By suggesting that her prose reads as if English were her second language, she invites readers to empathize with the struggles of articulating thoughts and ideas in a foreign tongue, even if it's done humorously.

Additionally, Ephron's comment can be viewed in the context of her overall writing philosophy. She often wrote about the vulnerability and insecurities that come with being a writer, particularly a female writer in a male-dominated industry. By openly acknowledging her perceived shortcomings in her writing, Ephron subverts the traditional notion of the flawless, authoritative author and instead presents herself as someone who grapples with the same challenges and doubts as her readers.

Overall, Ephron's quote captures her trademark blend of self-deprecating humor, sharp insight, and relatable storytelling. It offers a glimpse into her writing process, her attitude towards her craft, and her ability to connect with readers through candid and humorous self-reflection. Through this quote, Ephron invites us to appreciate the artistry and effort behind her seemingly effortless prose, while also reminding us of the universal struggles of self-expression and communication.