Skip to content

I write every paragraph four times - once to get my…

“I write every paragraph four times - once to get my meaning down, once to put in anything I have left out, once to take out anything that seems unnecessary, and once to make the whole thing sound as if I had only just thought of it.” quote by Margery Allingham
Download Open image
“I write every paragraph four times - once to get my meaning down, once to put in anything I have left out, once to take out anything that seems unnecessary, and once to make the whole thing sound as if I had only just thought of it.”

Margery Allingham

About This Quote

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

The author revises each paragraph four times to clarify meaning, fill gaps, remove excess, and achieve a natural flow.

In simple terms: Multiple drafts improve clarity and authenticity.

Key Takeaway

Revise repeatedly for precision and ease.

Themes

writing revision clarity process

Mood

instructive practical

Type

advice process

When to use this quote

  • author workshops
  • academic essays
  • novel drafting
  • blog posts
  • screenplays

Key Concepts

drafting editing self‑critique iteration

Questions to Reflect On

  • What is your optimal number of drafts?
  • How do you balance polish with spontaneity?
A Different Perspective

Too many revisions can stall progress.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Margery Allingham

Explore all 48 Margery Allingham quotes

More Four quotes

Browse all 7,977 Four quotes