Dashiell Hammett, putting the whole writing biz in metaphorical - if somewhat cynical - perspective.
"In this nonsense you've learned you'll find the satisfaction a man has in doing what - however silly - he can do skillfully. There will be days when you find a pleasure in the thought of things you have done for your clients, though that will come only on optimistic days ... You'll have your skill, and your craftsman's pride in that skill, and the money it brings you, and presently you will be middle-aged and old. .,. But in the end you will become - as I hope - a simple-minded sorcerer with childish pride and faith in your utility."
From "Magic," collected in THE HUNTER AND OTHER STORIES, published by The Mysterious Press.
