Book Quote by Walter Mosley
“... you should wait until the book is finished before making a judgment on its content. By the time you have gone through twenty drafts, the characters may have developed lives of their own, completely separate from the people you based them on in the beginning. And even if someone, at some time, gets upset with your words - so what? Live your life, sing your song. Anyone who loves you will want you to have that.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Walter Mosley on Writing Process, 2015
Patience with creative work lets characters evolve independently; criticism is inevitable and irrelevant to personal fulfillment.
In simple terms: Let stories develop; ignore critics.
Key Takeaway
Keep writing, stay true to your voice.
Themes
creativity
patience
criticism
Mood
determined
reflective
Type
motivational
philosophical
When to use this quote
- novel drafting
- editing phases
- artistic confidence
Key Concepts
character development
authorial intent
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance revision with moving forward?
A Different Perspective
Over‑attachment to drafts can stall progress.
