Author Quote by Colette
““Put down everything that comes into your head and then you're a writer. But an author is one who can judge his own stuff's worth, without pity, and destroy most of it." ( Casual Chance , 1964)””
About This Quote
Source Short Story: “Casual Chance”, 1964
Writing requires discarding much of one's work; judgment and ruthlessness are essential to craft.
In simple terms: Writers must ruthlessly edit their work.
Key Takeaway
Be critical and cut unnecessary parts.
Themes
creativity
editing
discipline
Mood
thoughtful
inspirational
Type
advice
philosophical
When to use this quote
- drafting novels
- blogging
- academic papers
- screenwriting
Key Concepts
literary criticism
self‑evaluation
creative process
Questions to Reflect On
- What criteria do you use to keep or discard a piece?
- How can you stay compassionate while being critical?
A Different Perspective
Over‑editing can stifle originality if not balanced.
![“[Julie] had lived a great deal among lies, before plumping for a small life of her own, a sincere and restricted life from which all pretense, even in matters sensual, was banished. How many crazy decisions and allegiances to successive aspects fo the truth! Had she not, one day when her costume…” quote by Colette](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/860/colette-11008_hair-cut_julie-had-lived-a-great-deal-among-lies_802843.jpg)
