Books Quote by Alice Mattison
“I think people feel for a long time that they ought to know how to write a novel in two drafts.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Author Talk, 2015
The belief that a novel can be perfected in just two drafts is a misconception; writing requires iterative refinement.
In simple terms: Writing a novel needs many drafts, not just two.
Embrace the process of revising multiple times.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- novel writing
- creative workshops
- self‑editing
- publishing preparation
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How many drafts do you need to feel satisfied?
- What steps help you know when to stop revising?
Some writers may find endless revisions discouraging.