George Saunders on Embracing Revision and the Magic of Storytelling

Years ago, I had the pleasure of meeting George Saunders at a literary event. His insights into the writing process have influenced many writers, including myself. Here are some key pieces of advice from Saunders:

Embrace Revision: Saunders emphasizes the importance of viewing initial drafts as starting points. He suggests that writers should not be dismayed by imperfect first attempts but should see them as opportunities to refine and discover the true essence of their stories.

Overcome Writer's Block: He believes that writer's block often stems from setting unrealistically high standards. By lowering the bar and allowing oneself to write freely, a writer can bypass the paralysis that perfectionism brings.

Maintain the 'Magic' in Writing: Saunders recalls advice from his mentor, Tobias Wolff, who told him, "Just don't lose the magic." This reminder encourages writers to preserve the joy and spontaneity in their work, ensuring that writing remains a passionate endeavor rather than a mechanical task.

For more insights into George Saunders' work and thoughts on writing, you can visit his profile on Literary Hub.