Meaning: Augusten Burroughs, a bestselling author known for his memoirs and autobiographical works, offers a powerful and inspiring message to fellow writers in his quote, "As a writer, you can't allow yourself the luxury of being discouraged and giving up when you are rejected, either by agents or publishers. You absolutely must plow forward." This quote encapsulates the resilience and determination required to navigate the often challenging and uncertain world of writing and publishing.

For many writers, rejection is an inevitable and disheartening aspect of their journey. Whether it's receiving form rejection letters from literary agents or facing numerous rejections from publishers, the experience can be demoralizing and lead to feelings of self-doubt and frustration. Burroughs emphasizes the importance of not succumbing to these negative emotions and instead, continuing to forge ahead with unwavering determination.

The notion of not allowing oneself the "luxury" of being discouraged is particularly poignant. It speaks to the idea that as a writer, one must prioritize perseverance and tenacity over wallowing in disappointment. This mindset is essential for anyone seeking success in the competitive and often unforgiving realm of the publishing industry.

Burroughs' use of the phrase "plow forward" evokes a sense of forward momentum and resilience. It conveys the image of pushing through obstacles and challenges, regardless of setbacks or setbacks. This attitude is crucial for writers who may face numerous obstacles on their path to publication, including rejection, criticism, and self-doubt. The quote serves as a reminder that progress and success often require pushing through adversity rather than being deterred by it.

Furthermore, the quote underscores the reality that rejection is a common experience for writers, even for those who eventually achieve great success. Many well-known authors have faced rejection numerous times before finding a literary agent or securing a publishing deal. Understanding and accepting this reality can help writers develop the resilience needed to persist in the face of rejection.

It's important to note that Burroughs' quote does not diminish the emotional impact of rejection or the difficulty of persevering in the face of it. Instead, it acknowledges the emotional toll of rejection while urging writers to transcend it. This sentiment is a rallying cry for writers to acknowledge their disappointment, but not to let it derail their ambitions or dampen their creative spirit.

Ultimately, Burroughs' quote serves as a source of encouragement and motivation for writers at any stage of their careers. It reinforces the idea that rejection is a natural part of the writing and publishing process, and it should not be a reason to abandon one's aspirations. Instead, it encourages writers to embrace rejection as a stepping stone toward growth and eventual success.

In conclusion, Augusten Burroughs' quote encapsulates the resilience and perseverance required of writers when faced with rejection in the literary world. It serves as a reminder that the path to success is often paved with setbacks and challenges, and that overcoming rejection is an essential part of the journey. By emphasizing the need to push forward in the face of adversity, Burroughs offers a message of resilience and determination that resonates with writers striving to achieve their creative goals.