Any first rate novel or story must have in it the strength…
““Any first rate novel or story must have in it the strength of a dozen fairly good stories that have been sacrificed to it. A good workman can't be a cheap workman; he can't be stingy about wasting material, and he cannot compromise. Excerpt taken from On the Art of Fiction by Willa Cather circa 1920.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Great stories require sacrificing many lesser ideas to achieve depth and cohesion.
In simple terms: Good work needs sacrifice.
Key Takeaway
Focus on essential elements.
Themes
craftsmanship
editing
storytelling
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
philosophical
advice
When to use this quote
- novel writing
- screenplay development
- editing process
Key Concepts
literary theory
creative sacrifice
quality control
Questions to Reflect On
- What are you willing to discard?
- How do you balance sacrifice and richness?
A Different Perspective
Over‑editing can strip a work of its voice.