To shift the structure of a sentence alters the meaning of that sentence, as definitely and inflexibly as the position of a camera alters the meaning of the object photographed.
Joan DidionRead
When I'm working on a book, I constantly retype my own sentences. Every day I go back to page one and just retype what I have. It gets me into a rhythm.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Revisiting and retyping your work helps create a writing rhythm.
Joan Didion emphasizes the importance of engaging with your own writing repeatedly in order to foster a natural flow and rhythm in the creative process. By revisiting the beginning of her work each day, she cultivates a deep familiarity with her sentences, helping her to maintain a cohesive style and momentum in her writing endeavors.
Themes
WritingCreativityPracticeEditingRhythm
In practice
Example use cases
In a writing workshop, the instructor quotes Didion to encourage students to embrace revision.
More from Joan Didion
All quotes βThe truth is, it's easier for me to write than talk... to express the state I'm in at any time.
Joan DidionRead
Memories are what you no longer want to remember.
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It was clear, for example, in 1988 that the political process had already become perilously remote from the electorate it was meant to represent.
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I mean maybe I was holding all the aces, but what was the game?
Joan DidionRead
Do not whine... Do not complain. Work harder. Spend more time alone.
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