Skip to content

When you first start writing-and I think it's true for a…

“When you first start writing-and I think it's true for a lot of beginning writers-you're scared to death that if you don't get that sentence right that minute it's never going to show up again. And it isn't. But it doesn't matter-another one will, and it'll probably be better. And I don't mind…” quote by Toni Morrison
Download Open image
“When you first start writing-and I think it's true for a lot of beginning writers-you're scared to death that if you don't get that sentence right that minute it's never going to show up again. And it isn't. But it doesn't matter-another one will, and it'll probably be better. And I don't mind writing badly for a couple of days because I know I can fix it-and fix it again and again and again, and it will be better.”

Toni Morrison

About This Quote

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

Writers often fear early drafts are final, but imperfect drafts are normal and can be improved through revision.

In simple terms: First drafts are okay to be imperfect.

Key Takeaway

Embrace imperfect drafts and revise.

Themes

writing confidence revision

Mood

anxious hopeful

Type

advice motivational

When to use this quote

  • novel writing
  • academic essays
  • blog posts
  • screenplays
  • journaling

Key Concepts

perfectionism creative process

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you decide when a draft is ready to be revised?
  • What strategies help you overcome fear of early mistakes?
A Different Perspective

Not all drafts will become great; some ideas may be dead ends.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Toni Morrison

Explore all 774 Toni Morrison quotes

More Again and again quotes

Browse all 445 Again and again quotes