Write a lot. And I mean a ridiculous amount. You have to…
“Write a lot. And I mean a ridiculous amount. You have to write so much that you don't mind throwing away and changing things that you've written - which is the second thing you have to do. A lot of young writers are very precious about their words. Don't be - you've got to be ready to burn stuff. You're not as good as you think you are, at least not yet. The more you write, the faster you'll write, and the less you'll mind throwing stuff out.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Write abundantly, discard ruthlessly; practice reduces fear of criticism and improves skill.
In simple terms: Write a lot, edit more.
Key Takeaway
Write often, edit freely.
Themes
creativity
discipline
growth
Mood
encouraging
practical
Type
inspirational
educational
When to use this quote
- novel drafting
- blog posts
- academic papers
- screenplays
Key Concepts
writing process
iteration
self‑critique
Questions to Reflect On
- How many drafts do you need?
- What scares you about deleting your work?
A Different Perspective
Perfectionism can stall progress.