Quote Origin: Writing and Rewriting Are a Constant Search for What It Is One Is Saying

John Updike? William W. West? Donald M. Murray? Catherine Ann Jones? Apocryphal? Question for Quote Investigator: An accomplished writer must constantly grapple with the difficulties of expressing events and ideas cogently with polish and precision. A famous prose stylist once illuminated the purpose of rewriting. Here are three versions: (1) Writing and rewriting are a …

Any Activity Becomes Creative When the Doer Cares About Doing It Right Or Better

John Updike? Apocryphal? Dear Quote Investigator: Exalted activities such as composing a symphony or devising an invention clearly enable the maker to express creativity. Refreshingly, the prominent writer John Updike contended that even quotidian activities allowed for creativity if the doer cared enough to excel. Would you please help me to find a citation? Quote …