Character Quote by Richard North Patterson
“Writing is rewriting. A writer must learn to deepen characters, trim writing, intensify scenes. To fall in love with the first draft to the point where one cannot change it is to greatly enhance the prospects of never publishing.”
About This Quote
Effective writing involves continual revision; deepening characters, tightening prose, and intensifying scenes, while clinging to the first draft hinders improvement and publication chances.
In simple terms: Writing needs constant revision and refinement.
Key Takeaway
Embrace revision; let go of first‑draft attachment.
Themes
creativity
discipline
growth
Mood
inspirational
practical
Type
literary
educational
When to use this quote
- novel writing
- screenwriting
- academic essays
- blog posts
Key Concepts
editing
character development
narrative structure
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance polish with fresh voice?
- When is a draft ready to move forward?
A Different Perspective
Over‑editing can stifle spontaneity and originality.
![“The only thing I might have noticed [and this is pretty anecdotal] is that there is some tendency to need to be taught that 'writing is rewriting' - maybe more of a sense than was pervasive 10 years ago that the first or second pass of a story is sufficient. That is an idea that is easily…” quote by George Saunders](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/249/george-saunders-317_blogging_the-only-thing-i-might-have-noticed-and_2019915.jpg)
![“[Writing is] largely a matter of application and hard work, or writing and rewriting endlessly until you are satisfied that you have said what you want to say as clearly and simply as possible. For me that usually means many, many revisions.” quote by Rachel Carson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/99e/rachel-carson-2645_application_writing-is-largely-a-matter-of-applicati_1416364.jpg)
![“The manuscript you submit [should not] contain any flaws that you can identify - it is up to the writer to do the work, rather than counting on some stranger in Manhattan to do it for him.” quote by Richard North Patterson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/cd8/richard-north-patterson-25352_counting_the-manuscript-you-submit-should-not-con_719345.jpg)
