In her book "Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life," Anne Lamott discusses the aspirations of aspiring writers. She notes that many individuals express a desire to write, but their greater longing is often to achieve publication. This distinction is crucial, as focusing solely on the end goal can hinder creative development.

Lamott emphasizes the importance of nurturing the writing process itself rather than fixating on publication. She suggests that true growth as a writer comes from embracing the journey of writing, rather than merely seeking external validation through being published. This perspective encourages writers to find satisfaction in their craft before worrying about the outcomes.