Molnar, Ferenc -- Quoted in George Jean Nathan, Intimate Notebooks (1932)

Dave — Fri, 26 Jun 2020 17:27:02 +0000

Writing is like prostitution. First you do it for the love of it, then you do it for a few friends, and finally you do it for money.

Ferenc Molnár (1878-1952) Hungarian-American author, stage director, dramatist [a.k.a. Franz Molnar]
Quoted in George Jean Nathan, Intimate Notebooks (1932)
(Source)

Common form of a quote often misattributed to Molière. It original version actually appears to have originated with Molnar, who, when asked how he regarded his writing, answered (according to Nathan):

Like a whore. First, I did it for my own pleasure. Then I did it for the pleasure of my friends. And now -- I do it for money.

There are many variants by different creators who have referenced the quip, sometimes causing it to be attributed to them instead. More discussion on this quotation's origins and variations: Quote Origin: I Did It For My Own Pleasure. Then I Did It For My Friends. Now I Do It For Money – Quote Investigator®.

WIST Quotations

Molnar, Ferenc -- Quoted in George Jean Nathan, Intimate Notebooks (1932)