Meaning: This quote by Brian Aldiss encapsulates the challenges and complexities of the writing profession. It highlights the distinction between simply becoming a writer and the ongoing struggle to maintain one's creativity and originality in the face of various pressures and temptations. Let's delve deeper into the meaning behind this quote and explore the insights it offers for aspiring writers.

Becoming a writer, as Aldiss suggests, may indeed be "comparatively easy" in the sense that anyone can put pen to paper or fingers to keyboard and produce written work. The act of writing itself is accessible to nearly everyone, and countless individuals have aspirations of becoming authors, poets, journalists, or other types of writers. However, the ease of entry into the field does not diminish the challenges that writers face in the pursuit of longevity and originality in their craft.

The quote emphasizes the difficulty of "staying a writer," which alludes to the ongoing commitment and perseverance required to sustain a writing career. Many individuals may dabble in writing or produce a few pieces, but to persist as a writer over time, maintaining the discipline and dedication necessary for continued output, is a much more formidable task. This notion resonates with the reality that many aspiring writers may face initial enthusiasm and inspiration, only to encounter obstacles that test their resolve and commitment to the craft.

Aldiss also touches on the idea of "resisting formulaic work," pointing to the challenge of avoiding the temptation to rely on established patterns, clichés, or formulaic approaches to writing. In a world where certain genres, styles, or narrative tropes may enjoy commercial success or critical acclaim, writers may feel pressure to conform to these established formulas in order to achieve recognition or financial reward. However, Aldiss suggests that true creativity and artistic integrity require writers to resist the pull of formulaic writing and to seek their own authentic voices and perspectives.

Finally, the quote highlights the importance of "generating one's own creativity," underscoring the necessity for writers to cultivate and nurture their creative impulses. This aspect of the quote speaks to the ongoing effort and self-discovery involved in tapping into one's creativity and producing original, meaningful work. It acknowledges that creativity is not a static or given trait, but rather something that must be actively cultivated and sustained through a writer's ongoing engagement with their craft and the world around them.

In essence, Brian Aldiss's quote serves as a reminder to aspiring writers that the path to a sustainable and fulfilling writing career is not paved with ease or certainty. It acknowledges the initial accessibility of writing as a creative pursuit while emphasizing the ongoing challenges of maintaining originality, resisting external pressures, and nurturing one's creativity over time.

For those who aspire to a career in writing, this quote offers valuable insights into the realities of the profession and the mindset required to navigate its complexities. It encourages writers to embrace the journey of continual growth and self-discovery, recognizing that the true test lies not only in becoming a writer but in persevering as one, resisting the allure of formulaic work, and continually generating their own creativity. In doing so, writers can strive to create work that is authentic, meaningful, and enduring.