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Mr Mowett,' called Stephen in the pause while the table…

“Mr Mowett,' called Stephen in the pause while the table was clearing to make room for the pudding, and pudding-wine—in this case Frontignan and Canary—was handing about, 'you were telling me about your publishers.' 'Yes, sir: I was about to say that they were the most hellish procrastinators—' 'Oh…” quote by Patrick O'Brian
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““Mr Mowett,' called Stephen in the pause while the table was clearing to make room for the pudding, and pudding-wine—in this case Frontignan and Canary—was handing about, 'you were telling me about your publishers.' 'Yes, sir: I was about to say that they were the most hellish procrastinators—' 'Oh how dreadful,' cried Fanny. 'Do they go to—to special houses, or do they ...' 'He means they delay,' said Babbington. 'Oh.””

Patrick O'Brian

About This Quote

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

Characters discuss procrastination as a hellish habit in publishing

In simple terms: Procrastination is a severe problem for publishers

Key Takeaway

Address procrastination directly

Themes

literature humor procrastination

Mood

witty critical

Type

literary dialogue

When to use this quote

  • Writing workshops
  • project management
  • editing processes

Key Concepts

Narrative pacing character dialogue

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does humor reveal work habits?
  • Can procrastination be productive?
A Different Perspective

May exaggerate for comedic effect

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