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
Writing is like driving at night in the fog. You can only see as far as your headlights, but you can make the whole trip that way.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Writing requires perseverance and trust in the process, even when the end is not clearly visible.
This quote by E. L. Doctorow metaphorically compares the act of writing to driving in foggy conditions, where visibility is limited to what the headlights illuminate. It suggests that while a writer may not see the entire path ahead, they can still progress and reach their destination through trust and continuous effort, emphasizing the importance of taking one step at a time in the creative process.
Themes
WritingProcessPerseveranceTrustJourneyCreativity
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech about creativity, you might say, 'Remember, writing is like driving at night in the fog; you can make the trip one step at a time.'
More from E. L. Doctorow
All quotes βOne 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.
E. L. DoctorowRead
In fiction, you know, there are no borders. You can go anywhere.
E. L. DoctorowRead
Books are acts of composition: you compose them. You make music: the music is called fiction.
E. L. DoctorowRead
We are all good friends. Friendship is what endures. Shared ideals, respect for the whole character of a human being.
E. L. DoctorowRead
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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