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I don't have an idea for a play until after I've finished…

“I don't have an idea for a play until after I've finished writing it. I write first, and come up with what it's about later. My technique could be compared to having a large canvas and coming in every day and putting a dot on it somewhere, and after several years - literally - I begin to say, That…” quote by Wallace Shawn
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“I don't have an idea for a play until after I've finished writing it. I write first, and come up with what it's about later. My technique could be compared to having a large canvas and coming in every day and putting a dot on it somewhere, and after several years - literally - I begin to say, That reminds me of an elephant, so I think I'll make it one.”

Wallace Shawn

About This Quote

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

His creative process is iterative, starting without a clear concept and allowing the work to reveal its direction over time.

In simple terms: He writes first, discovers story later.

Key Takeaway

Start creating, let ideas emerge.

Themes

creativity process iteration discovery

Mood

reflective inspirational

Type

creative process-oriented

When to use this quote

  • writing
  • painting
  • design
  • long‑term projects

Key Concepts

artistic methodology innovation

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you handle uncertainty in creation?
  • What strategies help you stay motivated without a clear goal?
A Different Perspective

Lack of initial vision can cause inefficiency.

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