I wrote small stories here and there, then bigger ones. Some were even written for money. I signed up for a writing class and snuck my first assignment on a yellow legal pad in a partner's office while he read through my memo.

In this quote, Rachel Sklar reflects on her journey as a writer, describing how she began by writing small stories and gradually progressed to creating bigger ones. Sklar also acknowledges that some of her writing was done for money, indicating that she eventually turned her passion into a professional endeavor. The mention of signing up for a writing class and sneaking her first assignment in a partner's office highlights the early stages of her writing career, where she balanced her work with her pursuit of becoming a writer.

The origin of this quote comes from Sklar's own experiences as a writer and journalist. She is known for her work in media and her advocacy for women’s voices in the industry, and her journey from writing small, personal pieces to larger, more professional projects reflects the growth many writers experience. The anecdote about writing her first assignment in a partner's office underscores the stealth and determination she needed to pursue her writing passion while working in another field.

Sklar's reference to sneaking her assignment on a yellow legal pad while her partner read through a memo adds a layer of humor and insight into the challenges she faced in carving out time for writing. It illustrates the balancing act many aspiring writers face when trying to pursue their craft while meeting the demands of their professional lives. This anecdote also shows Sklar’s resourcefulness and commitment to her craft, even when it had to be done in unconventional or less-than-ideal circumstances.

Ultimately, this quote speaks to Sklar’s determination and the incremental process of growing as a writer. It highlights the transition from writing for personal enjoyment to developing a more serious, professional career in writing, with a nod to the challenges and sacrifices involved in that journey. Sklar’s story is a reflection of many writers’ experiences—starting small, finding time to pursue their passion, and slowly building a body of work that aligns with their professional goals.