I have not been a success, and probably never will be

I have not been a success, and probably never will be

Robert E. Howard, the prolific writer best known for creating the character Conan the Barbarian, struggled with feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt throughout his life. Despite his undeniable talent and creativity, Howard often expressed a sense of failure and a belief that he would never achieve the success he desired.

Born in 1906 in Peaster, Texas, Howard began writing at a young age and quickly developed a passion for storytelling. He was drawn to the worlds of fantasy and adventure, and his vivid imagination brought to life characters and settings that captivated readers around the world. However, despite his early success in getting his stories published in pulp magazines, Howard never felt satisfied with his accomplishments.

In letters to friends and colleagues, Howard frequently expressed his frustration with his perceived lack of success. He lamented the fact that his work was not more widely recognized and that he struggled to make a living as a writer. He often compared himself unfavorably to his literary contemporaries, feeling that he fell short of their achievements.

Howard's feelings of inadequacy were compounded by personal struggles, including bouts of depression and a tumultuous romantic life. He struggled with his mental health and often felt isolated and misunderstood. These challenges only served to deepen his sense of failure and reinforce his belief that he would never be able to achieve the success he desired.

Despite his struggles, Howard continued to write prolifically, producing a vast body of work that has since become beloved by fans of fantasy and adventure literature. His creation of Conan the Barbarian remains his most enduring legacy, and the character has inspired countless adaptations in film, television, and other media.