Disappointed Quote by Elizabeth Hardwick
“It's one of the things writing students don't understand. They write a first draft and are quite disappointed, or often should be disappointed. They don't understand that they have merely begun, and that they may be merely beginning even in the second or third draft.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Writing Process, 1970s
Early drafts are intentionally imperfect; they signal the start of refinement, not final quality.
In simple terms: First drafts are just the beginning.
Key Takeaway
Embrace drafts as steps toward improvement.
Themes
writing
learning
growth
Mood
reflective
encouraging
Type
advice
inspirational
When to use this quote
- academic writing
- creative projects
- self‑editing
- peer review
Key Concepts
process
iteration
development
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you reframe disappointment into motivation?
- What habits help you improve subsequent drafts?
A Different Perspective
Drafts may still feel discouraging despite being early.
