Clearing Quote by Neil Simon
“[When you write a play] you walk into a forest without a knife, without a compass. But . . . if you have a sense of geography, you find that you're clearing a path and getting to the right place.”
About This Quote
Source Playwriting Workshop, date unknown
Writing a play is like navigating a forest without tools; having a sense of direction helps you find the right path.
In simple terms: Know your direction to guide your writing.
Develop a clear sense of narrative geography.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- theatre
- script development
- creative process
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What “compass” guides your creative work?
- How do you map out story progress?
Lack of direction can lead to wandering plots.