Writing a novel is a terrible experience, during which the hair often falls out and the teeth decay. Author: Flannery O'Connor Copy Quote More from Flannery O'Connor “Not-writing is a good deal worse than writing.” “What is needed is the vision to go with it, and you do not get this from a writ…” “Leave!’ Hazel Motes cried. ‘Go ahead and leave! The truth don’t matter to you. …” “I write to discover what I know.”