--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: I used to think it was hard to write, and…" description: "\"I used to think it was hard to write, and I still find the process more or less unpleasant, but if I know what I'm doing it rattles along, then the rew..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/745/jonathan-franzen-801_hard_i-used-to-think-it-was-hard-to-write-and_2471894.jpg" --- # I used to think it was hard to write, and I still find the… ![“I used to think it was hard to write, and I still find the process more or less unpleasant, but if I know what I'm doing it rattles along, then the rewrite whips it into shape rather quickly.” quote by Jonathan Franzen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/745/jonathan-franzen-801_hard_i-used-to-think-it-was-hard-to-write-and_2471894.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/745/jonathan-franzen-801_hard_i-used-to-think-it-was-hard-to-write-and_2471894.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/745/jonathan-franzen-801_hard_i-used-to-think-it-was-hard-to-write-and_2471894.jpg) > “I used to think it was hard to write, and I still find the process more or less unpleasant, but if I know what I'm doing it rattles along, then the rewrite whips it into shape rather quickly.” [Jonathan Franzen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jonathan-franzen/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Writing feels unpleasant until the author understands the task, after which revision quickly improves the work. **In simple terms:** Understanding the work makes writing easier. Key Takeaway Clarify purpose before drafting. Themes writing process revision clarity Mood determined analytical Type practical motivational When to use this quote - academic papers - novel drafts - blog posts - marketing copy Key Concepts creative flow self‑efficacy iteration Questions to Reflect On - How does knowing your goal change your writing rhythm? - What strategies help when the process feels unpleasant? A Different Perspective Even with clarity, writer’s block or external pressures can hinder progress. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Process](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/process/) [Shapes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/shapes/) [Thinking](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/thinking/) [Writer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/writer/) [Writing](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/writing/) ## Related quotes > [It's been hard for me to not write, and that's the only process I can speak to I guess, it's so compulsive and I…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/adam-rapp/it-s-been-hard-for-me-to-not-write-and-that-s-the-only-process-i-can/) [Adam Rapp](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/adam-rapp/) > [If you write about a process you're about to go through, market research, and you go through it, and it doesn't echo what you've…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/james-l-brooks/if-you-write-about-a-process-you-re-about-to-go-through-market/) [James L. 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