Anne Lamott's quote reflects the idea that the dreams of writing a novel or a memoir can be easily sidelined by the demands of daily life. She prompts readers to assess their feelings about unfulfilled creative ambitions. If the thought of never writing fills you with regret, it signals the importance of making that dream a priority.
The passage encourages reflection on one's creative aspirations and the fears of growing old without having pursued them. Lamott challenges individuals to reconsider their commitments and embrace their creative instincts before it's too late. Rather than allowing life's distractions to take over, she advocates for a daily dedication to nurturing one's creativity and potential.