Generally I finish a first draft in 2-6 months, then I set…
“Generally I finish a first draft in 2-6 months, then I set it aside for a while so that when I come back to it I can read it with fresh eyes and figure out how to improve it.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Writing Advice, Margaret Haddix, 2020
She drafts quickly, then pauses to gain perspective before revising for improvement.
In simple terms: Write fast, step back, then edit with fresh eyes.
Key Takeaway
Take breaks to see work clearly.
Themes
writing
revision
creativity
Mood
reflective
productive
Type
advice
process
When to use this quote
- novel writing
- screenplay polishing
- academic papers
- personal journals
- blog posts
Key Concepts
drafting
feedback
self‑editing
Questions to Reflect On
- How does distance change your perception of your work?
- What length of pause works best for you?
A Different Perspective
Breaks may disrupt momentum or cause loss of ideas.