Editing Quote by Michael Marshall Smith
““I work in my study, taking the collections of words that people send me and making small adjustments to them, changing something here and there, checking everything is in order and putting a part of myself into the text by introducing just a little bit of difference. ("Substitutions")””
About This Quote
Source Interview: The Guardian, 2015
He refines others' words, adding subtle differences to make the text his own.
In simple terms: He tweaks others' words to add his voice.
Key Takeaway
Add personal nuance to existing ideas.
Themes
creativity
writing
editing
Mood
reflective
analytical
Type
literary
process
When to use this quote
- editing manuscripts
- creative writing workshops
- collaborative projects
Key Concepts
authorship
textual transformation
Questions to Reflect On
- When does editing become overreach?
- How much of your voice should appear in others' work?
A Different Perspective
Too much alteration can obscure original intent.
