Weather is a literary specialty, and no untrained hand can turn out a good article on it
Mark TwainRead
The time to begin writing an article is when you have finished it to your satisfaction. By that time you begin to clearly and logically perceive what it is you really want to say.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Writing becomes clearer and more effective after one has completed a draft and can reflect on it.
Mark Twain highlights the importance of reflection in the writing process. He suggests that the best time to start formalizing an article is after one has completed a draft, as it allows the writer to achieve clarity and articulate their thoughts more logically and coherently. This process emphasizes the value of revising and comprehending what one truly wants to communicate before finalizing the work.
Themes
WritingReflectionRevisionClarityCommunication
In practice
Example use cases
A writer discussing their process at a workshop might use this quote to emphasize the importance of drafts.
More from Mark Twain
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To be good is noble; but to show others how to be good is nobler and no trouble.
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In Paris they just simply opened their eyes and stared when we spoke to them in French! We never did succeed in making those idiots understand their own language.
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