Be prepared Quote by Jeanette Winterson
“Great control and great discipline are necessary when you reach your own editing stage of the book, but in the early stages you have to be prepared to let anything happen and to get it wrong or go off track. The development of a character is not smooth or simple - it is as tricky as meeting someone new whom you would like to know better.”
About This Quote
Early editing requires openness to mistakes and unpredictability, while later stages demand discipline; character development is complex like meeting a new person.
In simple terms: Early drafts need flexibility; later work needs control; character growth is messy.
Key Takeaway
Embrace uncertainty, then refine.
Themes
creativity
discipline
character development
Mood
thoughtful
encouraging
Type
advice
inspirational
When to use this quote
- novel writing
- screenwriting
- workshop sessions
- editing phases
Key Concepts
writing process
storytelling
personal growth
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance freedom and structure?
- What strategies help you recover from early errors?
A Different Perspective
Too much control early can stifle ideas.
