h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

...if you have any dreams of becoming a professional writer, don't read 'New Grub Street' by George Gissing. It'll depress the hell out of you and you'll never want to force yourself to write again, as it concerns wannabe writers at the end of the 19th century who undergo severe poverty and even make the ultimate sacrifice as they struggle to find acceptance as writers.

The horrifying thing is that the harder they try, the more forced it is and the worse the critical reception. Crikey, makes me feel a bit glum just thinking about it.

He's right. As a wannabe writer I have found it a huge help to never read, or even find a copy, of New Grub Street. It's a good habit I intend to keep up for a long time

*...mutters something about split infinitives...*