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
Planning to write is not writing. Outlining, researching, talking to people about what you're doing, none of that is writing. Writing is writing.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Planning and discussing writing are not the same as actually writing.
This quote emphasizes the distinction between the preparation phase of writing and the act of writing itself. It highlights that many activities such as planning, outlining, or conversing about writing do not constitute the true act of writing, which requires putting words on the page, therefore encouraging writers to focus on actual writing to achieve their goals.
Themes
WritingPlanningActionCreativityProcess
In practice
Example use cases
A writing workshop can use this quote to encourage participants to start writing rather than just planning.
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.
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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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