Surrounded.

"What can ruin a first-rate writer?
Booze, pot, too much sex, too much failure in one's private life, too much attrition, too much recognition, too little recognition, frustration. Nearly everything in the scheme of things works to dull a first-rate talent. But the worst probably is cowardice."
- Norman Mailer

It would really behoove me to post quotes as inspiring and revealing as this without citing my source. I have never read Norman Mailer. This quote begins a chapter entitled 'Blocks' from a book I have been reading by Eric Maisel, Ph.D., entitled 'Creativity for Life: Practical Advice on the Artist's Personality and Career from America's Foremost Creativity Coach.' It is an amazing read for anyone that, like me, has been confounded by embarking on or even continuing a life in the arts. I could quote this book for days, but by the tie I finished you may well have read it on your own. hit up www.amazon.com for your copy.