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And I'm a slow writer: five, six hundred words is a good…

“And I'm a slow writer: five, six hundred words is a good day. That's the reason it took me 20 years to write those million and a half words of the Civil War.” quote by Shelby Foote
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“And I'm a slow writer: five, six hundred words is a good day. That's the reason it took me 20 years to write those million and a half words of the Civil War.”

Shelby Foote

About This Quote

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

Writing slowly yields modest daily output, which over decades accumulates into massive works.

In simple terms: Slow writing builds large achievements over time.

Key Takeaway

Embrace steady, patient writing habits.

Themes

writing patience productivity history

Mood

thoughtful inspirational

Type

advice reflective

When to use this quote

  • novel writing
  • academic research
  • journalism

Key Concepts

creative process long‑term projects

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does patience affect creative output?
  • What strategies keep slow writers motivated?
A Different Perspective

Slow pace may delay publication and relevance.

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