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Beginning a novel is always hard. It feels like going…

“Beginning a novel is always hard. It feels like going nowhere. I always have to write at least 100 pages that go into the trashcan before it finally begins to work. It's discouraging, but necessary to write those pages. I try to consider them pages -100 to zero of the novel.” quote by Barbara Kingsolver
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“Beginning a novel is always hard. It feels like going nowhere. I always have to write at least 100 pages that go into the trashcan before it finally begins to work. It's discouraging, but necessary to write those pages. I try to consider them pages -100 to zero of the novel.”

Barbara Kingsolver

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Writing a novel often requires drafting extensive material that feels useless before the story truly begins, making perseverance essential.

In simple terms: Write many drafts before the story clicks.

Key Takeaway

Accept and learn from early drafts.

Themes

writing perseverance creativity

Mood

determined encouraging

Type

creative process-oriented

When to use this quote

  • authorial block
  • first chapter
  • story development

Key Concepts

drafting process creative struggle

Questions to Reflect On

  • What can you learn from “failed” pages?
  • How do you know when to keep writing?
A Different Perspective

Not all wasted pages lead to progress.

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