Meaning: The quote "No one connected intimately with a writer has any appreciation of his temperament, except to think him overdoing everything" by Zane Grey, a prolific American author, reflects the perception that those close to writers often struggle to understand and appreciate the intricacies of their creative process and temperament. Zane Grey, known for his popular Western novels, effectively captures the common sentiment that writers, due to their intense dedication and emotional investment in their work, are often seen as overdoing everything by those closest to them.

In the context of this quote, "connected intimately" refers to individuals who have a close personal or professional relationship with a writer. These individuals may include family members, friends, editors, or anyone else who is closely involved in the writer's life and work. Grey suggests that those who are intimately connected with a writer may not fully grasp or appreciate the writer's temperament, which encompasses their emotional and mental disposition, as well as their creative process.

The notion that those close to a writer may fail to understand their temperament is rooted in the unique challenges and complexities of the writing profession. Writers often experience intense emotions, self-doubt, and a deep sense of personal investment in their work. Their creative process can be all-consuming, requiring long hours of solitude and deep introspection. As a result, those who are intimately connected with a writer may perceive their behavior as excessive or exaggerated, leading to a lack of appreciation for the writer's temperament.

Furthermore, Grey's use of the phrase "overdoing everything" suggests that the actions and emotions of writers may be perceived as exaggerated or excessive by those close to them. This could encompass the writer's intense focus on their work, their emotional highs and lows, and their relentless pursuit of perfection in their craft. The quote implies that the intimate connection with a writer may lead others to view the writer's behavior as excessive, when in reality, it is an integral part of their creative process and emotional investment in their work.

It is important to note that the quote does not necessarily suggest that those connected intimately with a writer lack empathy or understanding. Instead, it highlights the difficulty of fully comprehending the temperament and creative process of a writer from an outsider's perspective. Writers often navigate complex internal landscapes and emotional depths that may be challenging for others to fully comprehend, especially when they are not directly involved in the creative process.

In conclusion, Zane Grey's quote encapsulates the idea that intimate connections with writers may lead to a lack of appreciation for their temperament, with their actions and emotions being perceived as overdone or exaggerated. It sheds light on the unique challenges that writers face in being understood and supported by those closest to them, highlighting the intricate nature of the writer's creative process and emotional investment in their work.