Ability Quote by Mary J. Miller
“It's definitely about the rhythm of the words and how they sound together, writing one sentence and then another and another and cutting something immediately if it doesn't feel true. I come from a family of musicians and - while I have no musical abilities of my own - I think I inherited a good ear.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Podcast on Writing Craft, 2023
Good prose requires a natural flow and honesty; sentences should be trimmed when they feel inauthentic, reflecting a musical ear for rhythm.
In simple terms: Write with rhythm and cut false parts.
Listen to the ear, edit ruthlessly.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- novel drafting
- blog posts
- song lyrics
- marketing copy
- academic papers
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How does your background influence your editing choices?
- When do you know a sentence feels true?
May prioritize style over clarity if not balanced.