Becoming a Writer | Little Women
Video Transcript

FATHER: An offer-- in writing-- to publish your novel is not an inconsiderable thing, Jo. 

JO: That's why I'm showing it to you. And I have to say, $300 is not an inconsiderable thing, either. 

FATHER: You must not let the size of the sum they offer sway you. They say here they want "significant amendments." (scoffs) Money isn't everything. 

JO: No, but we need more of it in this house. 

FATHER: I'm blessed to have found a position as minister. If my parish is a small one, and the living lean, I'm no less grateful. 

JO: Father, I only earn five or six dollars apiece from my "Spread Eagle" stories, but it paid for the rug to be mended, and for you to have new galoshes last winter. It pays for beef so that Beth can have broth to try to build her up. She has never been well since she had the scarlet fever. 

FATHER: And the care you take of her does you every credit. But you must also nurture yourself. And that means to nurture your writing. It's more sacred than you allow yourself to think. 

JO: It isn't sacred. It's essential to me, but it isn't sacred. There are too many things I have to achieve by it, Father! 

FATHER: Don't spoil your book for the sake of $300, Jo! You have more talent than you know, and you should let your work ripen. 

JO: Like you do? 

FATHER: I've been working on my book for 20 years. And, yes, it's starting to bear fruit. 

JO: That is a wonderful accomplishment, Father. And a luxury I am not convinced I have.