I don't think, generally speaking, people become writers because they were the really good, really cool, attractive kid in class. I'll be honest. This is our revenge for people who were much better looking and more popular than us. I was a bit like that, I suppose.

In this quote, Steven Moffat humorously reflects on the motivations behind becoming a writer, suggesting that many writers are not necessarily those who were the most popular, cool, or attractive in their younger years. Instead, he implies that writing can serve as a form of revenge or a way for individuals who may have felt overlooked or less socially celebrated to assert their voice and achieve recognition. Moffat’s comment speaks to the idea that writers often channel their experiences of feeling out of place or unnoticed into their creative work.

Moffat acknowledges that writing can be an outlet for those who were not the standout figures in school but who have valuable ideas and perspectives to share. His statement is laced with humor and self-awareness, as he admits that he, too, might have had similar feelings of being less socially celebrated, even if not the most obvious victim of this dynamic. By describing writing as "revenge," he suggests that writers use their talents to gain recognition and validation, something they might not have received in their earlier years.

The quote also sheds light on the relationship between personal experience and artistic expression. Moffat seems to imply that for some writers, their craft comes not just from a love of storytelling, but from a desire to prove themselves in a world that may have previously overlooked them. It adds depth to the idea that writers, especially those with complex backgrounds, may use their writing as a way of finding empowerment and making a meaningful mark in the world.

The origin of this quote comes from Moffat’s reflections on his own experiences as a writer and his perspective on the world of literature and storytelling. Known for his work on Doctor Who and Sherlock, Moffat’s comment aligns with his wit and insight into the human condition, often blending humor with deeper observations about identity and creativity. This quote speaks to the common writer’s experience of transforming personal struggles or social experiences into the art that defines their careers.