Try any goddam thing you like, no matter how boringly normal or outrageous. If it works, fine. If it doesn't, toss it. Toss it even if you love it.
Stephen KingRead
To write is human, to edit is divine.
Interpretation
Writing is a common human activity, but editing elevates the work to a higher level of quality.
This quote suggests that while the act of writing is a fundamental and relatable human experience, the process of editing is where the true mastery and artistry lies. It emphasizes the importance of refining one's work, indicating that it is through editing that writers can transform their initial thoughts into polished, impactful writing.
In practice
This quote can be shared in a writing workshop to emphasize the value of editing.
Try any goddam thing you like, no matter how boringly normal or outrageous. If it works, fine. If it doesn't, toss it. Toss it even if you love it.
Eddie discovered one of his childhood's great truths. Grownups are the real monsters, he thought.
Hairstyles change, and skirt lengths, and slang, but high school administrations? Never.
Description begins in the writer’s imagination, but should finish in the reader’s.
That's the day's business. Thinking. Thinking and isolation, because it doesn't matter if you pass the time of day with someone or not; in the end, you're alone. He seemed to have put in as many miles in his brain as he had with his feet. The thoughts kept coming and there was no way to deny them.
Late last night and the night before, tommyknockers, tommyknockers knocking on my door. I wanna go out, don't know if I can 'cuz I'm so afraid of the tommyknocker man.
One should never forbid what one lacks the power to prevent.
How many times must a man look up Before he can see the sky? Yes, 'n' how many ears must one man have Before he can hear people cry? Yes, 'n' how many deaths will it take till he knows That too many people have died? The answer, my friend, is blowin' in the wind, The answer is blowin' in the wind.
Periods of tranquillity are seldom prolific of creative achievement. Mankind has to be stirred up.
What does it avail you, if of many thorns only one be removed.
One who is too insistent on his own views, finds few to agree with him.
That which a man continually thinks about determines his actions in times of opportunity and stress. I will know what you are if you tell me what you think about when you don't have to think.
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