By the time I am nearing the end of a story, the first…
“By the time I am nearing the end of a story, the first part will have been reread and altered and corrected at least one hundred and fifty times. I am suspicious of both facility and speed. Good writing is essentially rewriting. I am positive of this.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Writing is a process of relentless revision; speed and ease can compromise quality.
In simple terms: Good writing demands careful, repeated editing.
Key Takeaway
Edit thoroughly, value quality over speed.
Themes
writing
revision
craft
Mood
reflective
analytical
Type
literary
educational
When to use this quote
- novel drafting
- short story polishing
- academic paper revision
Key Concepts
literary process
perfectionism
creativity
Questions to Reflect On
- What is the optimal balance between revision and momentum?
A Different Perspective
Can excessive editing stifle original voice?