Bits Quote by George Saunders
“In a story, for example, you'll start off with a character who is a little bit of a cartoon. That's not satisfying and you start revising. And as you revise you always are making it better by being specific and by observing more closely, which actually is really the same as saying you love your characters. The close observation equals love of them.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: The New Yorker, 2015
Effective revision deepens characters through precise, attentive detail, showing love for them.
In simple terms: Specific details show love for characters.
Key Takeaway
Revise with focused observation.
Themes
writing
revision
character development
Mood
reflective
creative
Type
instructional
inspirational
When to use this quote
- novel drafting
- screenplay polishing
- short story editing
Key Concepts
attention to detail
love of craft
specificity
Questions to Reflect On
- How does detail enhance character connection?
- When does revision become over‑refinement?
A Different Perspective
Over‑editing can strip spontaneity.
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