Delicate Quote by David Means
“As a story writer, you have work with sharp but relatively small tools, the picks of metaphor, the shovel blade of images, the trowel of point of view, and then you delicately lift and brush in the revision with love and care knowing that one slip, and you might damage an extremely delicate thing.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: The Art of Fiction, David Means, 2015
Writing uses precise, limited tools—metaphor, image, perspective—to shape delicate meaning; careful revision is essential.
In simple terms: Writers use small tools and careful revision to protect delicate ideas.
Key Takeaway
Revise gently, respect each element.
Themes
writing
craft
revision
metaphor
image
Mood
thoughtful
reflective
Type
advice
inspirational
When to use this quote
- novel drafting
- editing
- workshop feedback
- self‑editing
Key Concepts
precision
delicacy
creative process
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance precision and emotional depth?
- What tools do you rely on most?
A Different Perspective
Even with care, some ideas may still break under scrutiny.
