I would advise any beginning writer to write the first drafts as if no one else will ever read them - without a thought about publication - and only in the last draft to consider how the work will look…

Quote by Anne Tyler

Topics: Anne Tyler Quotes

Time, in general, has always been a central obsession of mine - what it does...

Time, in general, has always been a central obsession of mine - what it does...

If I waited till I felt like writing, I'd never write at all.

If I waited till I felt like writing, I'd never write at all.

In real life I avoid all parties altogether, but on paper I can mingle with...

In real life I avoid all parties altogether, but on paper I can mingle with...

When I'm working on something, I proceed as if no one else will ever read...

When I'm working on something, I proceed as if no one else will ever read...

I save the best of myself for novels, and I believe it shows.

I save the best of myself for novels, and I believe it shows.

I think it must be very hard to be one of the new young writers...

I think it must be very hard to be one of the new young writers...

While armchair travelers dream of going places, traveling armchairs dream of staying put.

While armchair travelers dream of going places, traveling armchairs dream of staying put.

Ever consider what pets must think of us? I mean, here we come back from...

Ever consider what pets must think of us? I mean, here we come back from...

I consciously try to end my novels at a point where I won't have to...

I consciously try to end my novels at a point where I won't have to...

I don't want to say I hear voices; well, actually I do hear voices, but...

I don't want to say I hear voices; well, actually I do hear voices, but...

She worded it a bit strongly, but I do find myself more and more struck...

She worded it a bit strongly, but I do find myself more and more struck...

I never think about the actual process of writing. I suppose I have a superstition...

I never think about the actual process of writing. I suppose I have a superstition...

It's true that it's a solitary occupation, but you would be surprised at how much...

It's true that it's a solitary occupation, but you would be surprised at how much...

The Amateur Marriage grew out of the reflection that of all the opportunities to show...

The Amateur Marriage grew out of the reflection that of all the opportunities to show...

I do write long, long character notes - family background, history, details of appearance -...

I do write long, long character notes - family background, history, details of appearance -...

I was standing in the schoolyard waiting for a child when another mother came up...

I was standing in the schoolyard waiting for a child when another mother came up...

I've always thought a hotel ought to offer optional small animals. I mean a cat...

I've always thought a hotel ought to offer optional small animals. I mean a cat...

I've always enjoyed studying the small clues that indicate a particular class level.

I've always enjoyed studying the small clues that indicate a particular class level.

At most I'll spend three or four hours daily, sometimes less.

At most I'll spend three or four hours daily, sometimes less.

I'm too shy for personal appearances, and I've found out that anytime I talk about...

I'm too shy for personal appearances, and I've found out that anytime I talk about...