--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: A lot of things appearing under my byline…" description: "\"A lot of things appearing under my byline were written in one draft. But when I started to write poetry, I started getting fussy about every syllable. ..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f9f/richard-meltzer-31128_appearing_a-lot-of-things-appearing-under-my-bylin_2821361.jpg" --- # A lot of things appearing under my byline were written in… ![“A lot of things appearing under my byline were written in one draft. But when I started to write poetry, I started getting fussy about every syllable. I wouldn't allow the work to be seen unless it felt perfect. Not clunky at all, no clunky syllables. So, really, for the printed page, it had to…” quote by Richard Meltzer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f9f/richard-meltzer-31128_appearing_a-lot-of-things-appearing-under-my-bylin_2821361.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f9f/richard-meltzer-31128_appearing_a-lot-of-things-appearing-under-my-bylin_2821361.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f9f/richard-meltzer-31128_appearing_a-lot-of-things-appearing-under-my-bylin_2821361.jpg) > “A lot of things appearing under my byline were written in one draft. But when I started to write poetry, I started getting fussy about every syllable. I wouldn't allow the work to be seen unless it felt perfect. Not clunky at all, no clunky syllables. So, really, for the printed page, it had to have a feeling of rhythmic and syntactic verisimilitude or something.” [Richard Meltzer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/richard-meltzer/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. He became obsessive about perfect rhythm and syntax in poetry, demanding flawless syllable placement before publishing. **In simple terms:** Obsessive about perfect poetic rhythm. Key Takeaway Prioritize precision in poetic craft. Themes perfectionism poetry craftsmanship Mood reflective analytical Type literary creative When to use this quote - writing poetry - editing drafts - publishing work Key Concepts Aesthetic rigor syllable focus Questions to Reflect On - How does perfectionism affect artistic output? - Can imperfection be embraced? A Different Perspective Perfection can stifle creativity and delay sharing. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Feelings](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/feelings/) [Poetry](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/poetry/) [Writing](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/writing/) ## Related quotes > [I did a weird thing when I was about 24. 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Our Deadpool file is... full, to capacity. ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/paul-wernick/we-have-written-a-draft-of-the-script-in-every-calendar-year-since/) [Paul Wernick](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/paul-wernick/) > [Everything I write, I've written the first draft in Austria.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/peter-morgan/everything-i-write-i-ve-written-the-first-draft-in-austria/) [Peter Morgan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/peter-morgan/) > [As I've got older, I've got slightly more fussy. You've got less time; you need to use it wisely.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/maxine-peake/as-i-ve-got-older-i-ve-got-slightly-more-fussy-you-ve-got-less-time/) [Maxine Peake](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/maxine-peake/) > [The silliness-much of which is clearly intentional-is blended with some genuine grandeur. 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