We're always attracted to the edges of what we are, out by the edges where it's a little raw and nervy.
E. L. DoctorowRead
I don't think anything I've written has been done in under six or eight drafts. Usually it takes me a few years to write a book. 'World's Fair' was an exception. It seemed to be a particularly fluent book as it came. I did it in seven months. I think what happened in that case is that God gave me a bonus book.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the importance of revision and the creative process in writing.
E. L. Doctorow reflects on his writing journey, highlighting that most of his works require extensive revisions over several drafts, often spanning years. However, he notes that 'World's Fair' was an anomaly, as it came to him with unusual ease and speed, suggesting that sometimes inspiration strikes in a way that feels like a gift.
Themes
WritingRevisionCreativityInspirationProcess
In practice
Example use cases
A writer might use this quote to discuss the challenges of their craft during a workshop.
More from E. L. Doctorow
All quotes →One of the things I had to learn as a writer was to trust the act of writing. To put myself in the position of writing to find out what I was writing.
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In fiction, you know, there are no borders. You can go anywhere.
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Books are acts of composition: you compose them. You make music: the music is called fiction.
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We are all good friends. Friendship is what endures. Shared ideals, respect for the whole character of a human being.
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I've known several cases of writers who decide to write about something and they research the hell out of it and when they're ready to write, they can't move because they are so burdened. I start writing. Whatever I need somehow comes to hand.
E. L. DoctorowRead
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