Amount Quote by Fran Lebowitz
“In conversation you can use timing, a look, an inflection. But on the page all you have is commas, dashes, the amount of syllables in a word. When I write, I read everything out loud to get the right rhythm.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: "The Importance of Timing in Writing", 1995, magazine
She emphasizes that spoken rhythm guides written prose, using vocal cues to shape pacing.
In simple terms: She reads aloud to set rhythm.
Read your work aloud for better flow.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- drafting scripts
- public speaking
- creative writing
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How does reading aloud change your perception of a sentence?
- When is silent editing preferable?
Not all writing benefits from spoken rhythm, e.g., technical docs.