Drafts Quote by Meg Wolitzer
“I think a lot of the dull parts of first drafts come from a kind of over-managing, intrusive writer who wants to direct traffic. The idea of taking out the parts that the reader could infer is very liberating, and it's weirdly part of radicalizing your work: it allows you to go to new places fast.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Conversation with Meg Wolitzer, 2022
Over‑editing hinders a draft; removing obvious details frees the writer to explore fresh ideas quickly.
In simple terms: Cutting obvious parts lets creativity flow.
Trim the obvious to discover new directions.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- novel drafting
- screenwriting
- blog posts
- academic papers
- marketing copy
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What details can you safely omit?
- How does restraint change your voice?
If you remove too much, readers may feel lost.