Meaning: The quote by Robert Klein, a renowned comedian, reflects on the challenges he faced in finding time to focus on his writing amidst a busy schedule of personal appearances, movies, and television work. The quote highlights the struggle many creatives face in balancing their artistic pursuits with the demands of a successful career in the entertainment industry.

Robert Klein is known for his witty observations and sharp commentary on various aspects of life, and his quote sheds light on the dedication and perseverance required to maintain a creative practice while navigating the opportunities and distractions that come with success in the entertainment world.

Klein's reference to "personal appearances" speaks to his commitment to live performances, where he likely engaged with audiences through stand-up comedy routines or speaking engagements. These appearances not only require time and energy but also provide valuable opportunities for connection and feedback from his fans. As a performer, Klein's ability to engage with live audiences would have been a significant aspect of his career, and it's understandable that it would have taken up a considerable amount of his time and focus.

Additionally, Klein mentions his involvement in movies and television series, indicating that he was actively engaged in on-screen work during the period he references. This involvement would have demanded his attention, as acting in movies and television often involves long hours on set and the need to memorize scripts and perform scenes repeatedly to achieve the desired outcome.

The mention of "plumbing" in the quote may metaphorically refer to the less glamorous or more mundane aspects of his career or personal life that required attention during this time. It's possible that Klein is alluding to the behind-the-scenes work and personal responsibilities that he needed to address, which may have further detracted from his ability to focus on his writing.

The phrase "I stopped writing for a while" captures the struggle that many artists face when juggling diverse professional commitments. Despite Klein's passion for writing and creating, he found himself unable to dedicate time to this aspect of his craft due to the demands of his career and personal life. This admission of a hiatus from writing underscores the challenges he faced in maintaining a consistent creative practice.

Klein's honesty about the difficulties he encountered in finding time to write serves as a reminder that even successful and talented individuals can face obstacles in pursuing their creative endeavors. It also humanizes the creative process, highlighting the need for balance and the inevitability of setbacks and interruptions along the way.

In summary, Robert Klein's quote provides insight into the complexities of maintaining a creative practice while navigating the demands of a successful career in the entertainment industry. It serves as a reminder that dedication, perseverance, and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances are essential for artists seeking to balance their artistic pursuits with the opportunities and challenges that come their way.