"Easy reading is damn hard writing." - Maya Angelou
Maya Angelou's quote, "Easy reading is damn hard writing," suggests that writing well and making it easy for readers to understand is a challenging task. In other words, creating a piece of writing that flows smoothly and is enjoyable to read requires significant effort and skill on the part of the writer. Even though it may appear simple and effortless to read, the actual process of crafting an engaging and comprehensible piece of writing can be difficult and labor-intensive. Angelou is emphasizing the importance of putting in the time and effort to hone one's writing skills and produce work that is both clear and captivating.
The quote highlights the importance of the writing process. Writing that is easy to read and understand often requires extensive effort and refinement on the part of the writer. It is easy to underestimate the effort that goes into creating writing that flows smoothly and effortlessly. Good writing requires not only a command of language and grammar but also the ability to convey complex ideas in a clear and concise manner. This involves careful planning, drafting, revising, and editing. Writing that appears effortless and easy to read often belies the hard work and dedication that went into crafting it. In essence, the quote suggests that good writing is the result of hard work and attention to detail, rather than a natural talent or gift.
It takes effort and care to produce good writing. Angelou suggests that while the act of reading may seem easy, the process of writing that creates the text is often difficult and challenging. This quote serves as a reminder that great writing requires dedication, discipline, and hard work. Angelou was known for her insightful and evocative writing, and this quote shows her commitment to the craft and her belief in the power of words.
Maya Angelou was an American poet, author, and civil rights activist.