I never spent less than two years on the text of one of my…
“I never spent less than two years on the text of one of my picture books, even though each of them is approximately 380 words long. Only when the text is finished ... do I begin the pictures.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
He spends years perfecting text before illustrating, emphasizing the importance of narrative foundation in picture books.
In simple terms: He spends long time on text before drawing pictures.
Prioritize story before illustration.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- writing workshops
- illustration courses
- publishing meetings
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How does this process affect reader engagement?
- Can the text‑first approach suit all genres?
May delay publication timelines.