Write Quote by Dorothy Parker
“If you're going to write, don't pretend to write down. It's going to be the best you can do, and it's the fact that it's the best you can do that kills you.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: The New Yorker, Dorothy Parker, 1938
Writing should be authentic; pretending to write perfect prose hinders genuine expression.
In simple terms: Pretending to write perfect prose stifles authenticity.
Key Takeaway
Write honestly, not perfectly.
Themes
writing
authenticity
creativity
self‑criticism
Mood
introspective
motivational
Type
creative
psychological
When to use this quote
- Creative workshops
- personal journals
- writing retreats
- editorial feedback
Key Concepts
Artistic integrity
psychology of perfectionism
Questions to Reflect On
- What does “pretending to write” mean to you?
- How can you embrace imperfection in your drafts?
A Different Perspective
Perfectionism can cause paralysis and self‑doubt.
