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Assuming Quote by Dani Shapiro

“Confidence is highly overrated when it comes to creating literature. A writer who is overly confident will not engage in the struggle to get it exactly right on the page - but rather, will assume that she's getting it right without the struggle.” quote by Dani Shapiro
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“Confidence is highly overrated when it comes to creating literature. A writer who is overly confident will not engage in the struggle to get it exactly right on the page - but rather, will assume that she's getting it right without the struggle.”

Dani Shapiro

About This Quote

Source Interview: The New Yorker, “The Art of Writing,” 2022

Overconfidence hinders a writer’s willingness to revise and perfect their work, leading to complacent drafts.

In simple terms: Too much confidence stops careful editing.

Key Takeaway

Embrace humility and revise relentlessly.

Themes

writing confidence revision

Mood

reflective serious

Type

advice literary

When to use this quote

  • novel drafting
  • academic papers
  • blog posts
  • screenplays

Key Concepts

creative process self‑critique

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does self‑doubt improve your writing?
  • When have you benefited from a critical review?
A Different Perspective

Confidence can boost motivation but may blind you to flaws.

4.3 out of 5 (10 ratings)

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