Whenever I start a book, I swear it's going to be a short one. But then it's, 'Who was his grandfather? And how did he get there in the first place? And what kind of animals is he chasing?'
James A. MichenerRead
I have never thought of myself as a good writer. Anyone who wants reassurance of that should read one of my first drafts. But I'm one of the world's great rewriters.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Success in writing comes from the process of revision rather than the initial effort.
James A. Michener's quote emphasizes the importance of rewriting and refining one's work to achieve greatness in writing. He acknowledges that initial drafts may not reflect quality, but through revision, a writer can hone their skills and produce exceptional work.
Themes
WritingRewritingDraftsRevisionsProcess
In practice
Example use cases
Use this quote to inspire writers at a workshop about the importance of editing.
More from James A. Michener
All quotes →Rampaging horsemen can conquer; only the city can civilize.
James A. MichenerRead
I think the crucial thing in the writing career is to find what you want to do and how you fit in. What somebody else does is of no concern whatever except as an interesting variation.
James A. MichenerRead
If a man happens to find himself, he has a mansion which he can inhabit with dignity all the days of his life.
James A. MichenerRead
I was brought up in the great tradition of the late nineteenth century: that a writer never complains, never explains and never disdains.
James A. MichenerRead
The permanent temptation of life is to confuse dreams with reality. The permanent defeat of life comes when dreams are surrendered to reality.
James A. MichenerRead
Similar quotes
Now this relaxation of the mind from work consists on playful words or deeds. Therefore it becomes a wise and virtuous man to have recourse to such things at times.
Thomas AquinasRead
It is not necessary for eagles to be crows.
Sitting BullRead
When each day is the same as the next, it’s because people fail to recognize the good things that happen in their lives every day that the sun rises.
Paulo CoelhoRead
I have all my life long been lying in bed till noon; yet I tell all young men, and tell them with great sincerity, that nobody who does not rise early will ever do any good.
Samuel JohnsonRead
Things are always better in the morning.
Harper LeeRead
Remember, you can be exalted without a college degree. You can be exalted without being slender and beautiful. You can be exalted without having a successful career. You can be exalted if you are not rich and famous. So focus the best that you can on those things in life that will lead you back to the presence of God - keeping all things in their proper balance.
M. Russell BallardRead