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Again and again Quote by Toni Morrison

“When you first start writing-and I think it's true for a lot of beginning writers-you're scared to death that if you don't get that sentence right that minute it's never going to show up again. And it isn't. But it doesn't matter-another one will, and it'll probably be better. And I don't mind…” quote by Toni Morrison
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“When you first start writing-and I think it's true for a lot of beginning writers-you're scared to death that if you don't get that sentence right that minute it's never going to show up again. And it isn't. But it doesn't matter-another one will, and it'll probably be better. And I don't mind writing badly for a couple of days because I know I can fix it-and fix it again and again and again, and it will be better.”

Toni Morrison

About This Quote

Source Interview: The Paris Review, 1992

Writers often fear early drafts are final, but imperfect drafts are normal and can be improved through revision.

In simple terms: First drafts are okay to be imperfect.

Key Takeaway

Embrace imperfect drafts and revise.

Themes

writing confidence revision

Mood

anxious hopeful

Type

advice motivational

When to use this quote

  • novel writing
  • academic essays
  • blog posts
  • screenplays
  • journaling

Key Concepts

perfectionism creative process

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you decide when a draft is ready to be revised?
  • What strategies help you overcome fear of early mistakes?
A Different Perspective

Not all drafts will become great; some ideas may be dead ends.

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