Constant Quote by John Updike
“Writing and rewriting are a constant search for what it is one is saying.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: "The Writing Process", 1975
Writing is an ongoing quest to clarify one’s own thoughts through revision.
In simple terms: Writing refines what you mean.
Key Takeaway
Embrace revision to discover meaning.
Themes
writing
self‑discovery
revision
Mood
thoughtful
inquisitive
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- drafting essays
- novel writing
- academic papers
- personal journals
Key Concepts
clarity
creative process
Questions to Reflect On
- What does revision reveal about your ideas?
- When is a draft good enough?
A Different Perspective
Revision can become endless, hindering completion.
![“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…” quote by George Saunders](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/249/george-saunders-317_blogging_the-only-thing-i-might-have-noticed-and_2019915.jpg)
![“[Writing is] largely a matter of application and hard work, or writing and rewriting endlessly until you are satisfied that you have said what you want to say as clearly and simply as possible. For me that usually means many, many revisions.” quote by Rachel Carson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/99e/rachel-carson-2645_application_writing-is-largely-a-matter-of-applicati_1416364.jpg)
