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About this quote

What does it mean?
Bellow suggests writing inspired in the middle of the night is pure and should not be altered. Trust your initial creative impulses.
In plain terms
Do not change writing done in the middle of the night because it is honest.
What can you take from it?
Trust your first creative instincts, especially at night.

Where it applies

  • writing projects
  • creative blocks
  • editing

Putting it to work

  • Keep a notebook for night ideas
  • Resist over-editing raw drafts

Questions to consider

  • How much should you edit inspiration?
  • Do you trust your instincts?

Another view

Night writing can be less coherent than work done during the day.

More from Saul Bellow

  1. Whoever wants to reach a distant goal must take small steps.

    Permalink to quote #49
  2. When we ask for advice, we are usually looking for an accomplice.

    Permalink to quote #51
  3. What is art but a way of seeing?

    Permalink to quote #48

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