I don't tend to redraft, I will try to tidy it up, but…
“I don't tend to redraft, I will try to tidy it up, but basically I feel what I write down first has got the impetus, it may be clumsy, it may be repetitive, but a good editor can take that out. That first writing bit is the best thing you will do.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The initial draft captures raw ideas; later editing refines and removes flaws, making the first effort the most valuable.
In simple terms: First draft holds core ideas; edit later.
Write freely, edit later.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- novel writing
- academic papers
- blog posts
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What does your first draft reveal about you?
- How can you protect raw ideas during editing?
Over‑editing early can stifle originality.