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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. Doctorow
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Overthinking and excessive preparation can hinder creativity; action can lead to inspiration and solutions.

E. L. Doctorow's quote emphasizes that the creative process should not be paralyzed by over-researching or overthinking a topic. Instead, taking the initiative to start writing can lead to unexpected ideas and resources that emerge naturally as one engages in the act of creation.

Themes

CreativityWritingActionInspirationResearch

In practice

Example use cases

In a writing workshop, to encourage participants to start writing without fear, one might use this quote.

More from E. L. Doctorow

We're always attracted to the edges of what we are, out by the edges where it's a little raw and nervy.
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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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Things that appear on the front page of the newspaper as 'fact' are far more dangerous than the games played by a novelist, and can lead to wars.
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