Folders Quote by Joyce Carol Oates
“'A Fair Maiden' existed in notes and sketches for perhaps a year. When I traveled, I would take along with me my folder of notes - 'ideas for stories.' Eventually, I began to write it and wrote it fairly swiftly - in perhaps two months of fairly intense writing and rewriting. Most of my time writing is really re-writing.”
About This Quote
Writing often begins with a spark of an idea, but the bulk of the craft lies in revising and reshaping the material.
In simple terms: Ideas start fast; writing is mostly rewriting.
Key Takeaway
Revision is the core of writing.
Themes
creativity
process
revision
discipline
Mood
pragmatic
encouraging
Type
craft advice
process reflection
When to use this quote
- first drafts
- editing workshops
- author retreats
- script development meetings
Key Concepts
the myth of the effortless muse
the labor of craft
Practical Applications
- Schedule dedicated rewrite sessions
- Use outlines to guide revisions
Questions to Reflect On
- How does rewriting change the original intent?
- What strategies help writers embrace revision?
