Delay Quote by E. B. White
“Delay is natural to a writer. He is like a surfer-he bides his time, waits for the perfect wave on which to ride in. Delay is instinctive with him. He waits for the surge (of emotion? of strength? of courage?) that will carry him along.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: "The Writer's Life", 1950
Writers often delay action, waiting for the perfect emotional surge or inspiration before creating.
In simple terms: Writers wait for the right feeling before starting.
Key Takeaway
Embrace the waiting period but act before perfection arrives.
Themes
creativity
patience
inspiration
process
writing
Mood
contemplative
inspirational
pragmatic
Type
creative
motivational
cautionary
When to use this quote
- Drafting a novel
- planning a poem
- starting a screenplay
- artistic block
Key Concepts
Flow state
creative timing
emotional readiness
Questions to Reflect On
- What signals that waiting has become avoidance?
- How can you balance preparation with action?
A Different Perspective
Delay can become procrastination, stalling progress.
