Discouraging Quote by Gore Vidal
“I never reread a text until I have finished the first draft. Otherwise it's too discouraging.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: The New Yorker, 1970s
He avoids rereading early drafts because they feel discouraging, preferring to finish the whole piece first.
In simple terms: He waits to finish before rereading to avoid discouragement.
Key Takeaway
Finish drafts before revisiting.
Themes
writing
self‑criticism
process
Mood
reflective
determined
Type
advice
process
When to use this quote
- novel writing
- academic essays
- personal journals
- screenplays
Key Concepts
drafting
psychology of creativity
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you finish drafts before editing?
- How does early criticism affect motivation?
A Different Perspective
Rereading early drafts can still reveal hidden flaws.
