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Because generalisations about writers are sometimes enormously satisfying, this from today'sGuardian, by novellist William Leith:

"You write a book because what you have to say is, at the very least, long-winded, and possibly even nuanced or subtle. It takes you months or years. Most of that time you spend alone, cracking up at your desk or lying on the sofa feeling sick, with occasional moments of muted triumph."

(Thanks, Bookninja...)