Authority Quote by Dorothy Bryant
“Just remember, you must know everything well before you can know what to discard. You must cover pages with material you will not finally put into the book. That doesn't mean you don't use it. It is still there, must be there, an invisible foundation which gives authority to the story. The planning done on setting is never wasted.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Writer’s Guide to Editing, 2015
Effective writing requires gathering more material than you’ll use; the excess forms an unseen framework that supports the final narrative.
In simple terms: Collect extra material to create a hidden support structure for your work.
Key Takeaway
Gather broadly, edit ruthlessly.
Themes
writing
editing
creativity
process
discipline
Mood
inspirational
practical
Type
advice
reflective
When to use this quote
- drafting
- research
- story outlining
- content curation
Key Concepts
information overload
creative scaffolding
decision making
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you decide what to keep?
- What strategies prevent overload?
A Different Perspective
Too much material can cause paralysis if not managed.
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