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He had only just made the Elysian deadline; hanging onto…

“He had only just made the Elysian deadline; hanging onto the typescript until the last moment in case there was something still to be done; two sentences turned into one, one sentence broken into two, the substitution of a slightly resistant adjective to engender a moment’s reflection, in short…” quote by Edward St. Aubyn
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““He had only just made the Elysian deadline; hanging onto the typescript until the last moment in case there was something still to be done; two sentences turned into one, one sentence broken into two, the substitution of a slightly resistant adjective to engender a moment’s reflection, in short, the joys of editing, all carried out without forgetting the art that disguises art.””

Edward St. Aubyn

About This Quote

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

Editing is a meticulous process that balances precision with creative nuance, revealing hidden meaning through careful revision.

In simple terms: Editing refines and reveals deeper meaning.

Key Takeaway

Embrace revision to uncover hidden depth.

Themes

writing creativity precision reflection

Mood

thoughtful analytical

Type

literary process

When to use this quote

  • author
  • editing
  • creative process
  • self‑editing

Key Concepts

literary craft revisionary

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does revision change your perception of a text?
  • When does polishing become over‑refinement?
A Different Perspective

Over‑editing can stifle spontaneity.

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