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Books Quote by Flannery O'Connor

“I don’t have a lot of time. I can give a poem a couple of lines, a short story a paragraph, and a novel a few pages, then if I can stop reading without a sense of loss, I do, and I go on to something else.” quote by Flannery O'Connor
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““I don’t have a lot of time. I can give a poem a couple of lines, a short story a paragraph, and a novel a few pages, then if I can stop reading without a sense of loss, I do, and I go on to something else.””

Flannery O'Connor

About This Quote

Source Interview: 1970s literary discussion

Creative work should be concise; if it leaves no lingering feeling, move on to new projects.

In simple terms: Short, satisfying works are fine; abandon them when they feel complete.

Key Takeaway

Finish when the piece feels whole.

Themes

brevity creative process literature

Mood

contemplative analytical

Type

literary creative

When to use this quote

  • writing
  • reading
  • project management

Key Concepts

minimalism artistic satisfaction

Questions to Reflect On

  • When do you know a piece is complete?
  • Do you value length over impact?
A Different Perspective

Some audiences may crave deeper immersion.

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