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Ability Quote by Judy Blume

“I hate first drafts, and it never gets easier. People always wonder what kind of superhero power they'd like to have. I wanted the ability for someone to just open up my brain and take out the entire first draft and lay it down in front of me so I can just focus on the second, third and fourth…” quote by Judy Blume
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“I hate first drafts, and it never gets easier. People always wonder what kind of superhero power they'd like to have. I wanted the ability for someone to just open up my brain and take out the entire first draft and lay it down in front of me so I can just focus on the second, third and fourth drafts.”

Judy Blume

About This Quote

Source Interview: Author interview, 1990s

Writing drafts is frustrating; the author wishes to discard the first version instantly to focus on revisions.

In simple terms: First drafts are painful; wish to erase them.

Key Takeaway

Embrace revision, don’t fear the first draft.

Themes

creativity writing perfectionism

Mood

frustrated hopeful

Type

advice reflective

When to use this quote

  • author workshops
  • personal writing projects
  • academic papers
  • novel drafting

Key Concepts

drafting editing mental load

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can you make the first draft less daunting?
  • What strategies help you move beyond initial drafts?
A Different Perspective

Even after editing, the first draft still informs later work.

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