Bunch of thoughts about that, which you are free to disagree with– 1. "You are failing (at what you say you want to do)" != "You are a failure." 2. I disagree

Bunch of thoughts about that, which you are free to disagree with– 1. "You are failing (at what you say you want to do)" != "You are a failure." 2. I disagree (but this is a matter of intepretation) that a novelist's subject matter is entirely uncorrelated with their person. Writing is a very personal pursuit, and I think every writer puts something of themselves into their work. But would be happy to disagree about this, and to hear your counterpoint. 3. Re: the Brothers Karamzov quote, I think it's very common for writers to write about things that they can envision but not necessarily enact. They're more like directives than lived experiences. A person can live a life "full of sin" and then write a novel advocating "sainthood". Do as I say, not as I do, so as to speak. But again, would be happy to hear your thoughts.