Writing criticism is to writing fiction and poetry as hugging the shore is to sailing in the open sea

Writing criticism is to writing fiction and poetry as hugging the shore is to sailing in the open sea

John Updike, a prolific writer known for his novels, short stories, and poetry, once said, "Writing criticism is to writing fiction and poetry as hugging the shore is to sailing in the open sea." This analogy perfectly captures the difference between the two forms of writing and the unique challenges and rewards that each presents.