Blogging Quote by George Saunders
“The only thing I might have noticed [and this is pretty anecdotal] is that there is some tendency to need to be taught that 'writing is rewriting' - maybe more of a sense than was pervasive 10 years ago that the first or second pass of a story is sufficient. That is an idea that is easily dislodged, but I suspect it might have something to do with the turnaround time re: blogging and so on - this sense that there is some essential truth about a first draft that one runs the risk of "ruining" by coming back to it.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: The New Yorker, 2015
Writing is a recursive process; the belief that a first draft is sufficient is a myth, and revision is essential for depth and clarity.
In simple terms: Writing needs revision, not just a first draft.
Embrace rewriting to improve work.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- novel writing
- blogging
- academic papers
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How many drafts do you usually complete?
- What prevents you from revising?
Time constraints can discourage thorough revision.