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I rewrite a great deal. I'm always fiddling, always…

“I rewrite a great deal. I'm always fiddling, always changing something. I'll write a few words - then I'll change them. I add. I subtract. I work and fiddle and keep working and fiddling, and I only stop at the deadline.” quote by Ellen Goodman
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“I rewrite a great deal. I'm always fiddling, always changing something. I'll write a few words - then I'll change them. I add. I subtract. I work and fiddle and keep working and fiddling, and I only stop at the deadline.”

Ellen Goodman

About This Quote

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

Writing is an iterative, messy process of continual revision until the deadline forces completion.

In simple terms: Write, revise, repeat until done.

Key Takeaway

Embrace editing, meet deadlines.

Themes

creativity process discipline

Mood

thoughtful practical

Type

advice process

When to use this quote

  • drafting articles
  • academic papers
  • creative projects

Key Concepts

iteration editing time management

Questions to Reflect On

  • What steps help you know when to stop revising?
  • How do you balance perfectionism with productivity?
A Different Perspective

Risk of endless tweaking, missing deadlines.

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