First-draft Quote by John Gardner
““One cannot judge in advance whether or not the idea of the story is worthwhile because until one has finished writing the story one does not know for sure what the idea is; and one cannot judge the style of a story on the basis of a first draft, because in a first draft the style of the finished story does not yet exist.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Art of Fiction, John Gardner, 1983
The value and style of a story can only be judged after it is completed, because initial drafts lack the final shape and substance.
In simple terms: You can’t fully assess a story’s worth or style until it’s finished.
Key Takeaway
Finish writing before judging its merit.
Themes
writing
assessment
creativity
Mood
reflective
analytical
Type
literary
educational
process
When to use this quote
- novel drafting
- screenplay writing
- academic essays
- story workshops
Key Concepts
Narrative development
creative process
Questions to Reflect On
- How does completing a draft change your perception of its idea?
- What risks arise from judging too early?
A Different Perspective
Early drafts may mislead about quality; revisions can change direction.
