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I turn sentences around. That's my life. I write a…

“I turn sentences around. That's my life. I write a sentence and then I turn it around. Then I look at it and I turn it around again. Then I have lunch. Then I come back in and write another sentence. Then I have tea and turn the new sentence around. Then I read the two sentences over and turn them…” quote by Philip Roth
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“I turn sentences around. That's my life. I write a sentence and then I turn it around. Then I look at it and I turn it around again. Then I have lunch. Then I come back in and write another sentence. Then I have tea and turn the new sentence around. Then I read the two sentences over and turn them both around. Then I lie down on my sofa and think. Then I get up and throw them out and start from the beginning.”

Philip Roth

About This Quote

A whimsical description of a writer’s repetitive creative process, highlighting the cyclical nature of drafting and revising.

In simple terms: Describes turning sentences over repeatedly while writing.

Key Takeaway

Embrace iteration in creative work.

Themes

writing creativity process

Mood

thoughtful playful

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • authoring
  • editing
  • daily routine

Key Concepts

iteration self‑reflection

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does repetitive revision impact productivity?
  • When should a writer stop revising?
A Different Perspective

The endless loop may lead to procrastination or lack of progress.

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