Category: Quotes

Quote of the Day

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“Novels are never about what they are about; that is, there is always deeper, or more general, significance. The author may not be aware of this till she is pretty far along with it. A novel’s whole pattern is rarely apparent at the outset of writing, or even at the end; that is when the writer finds out what a novel is about, and the job becomes one of understanding and deepening or sharpening what is already written. That is finding the theme.”–Diane Johnson

Very much agree with that. I don’t think many writers sit down to write about a particular theme and end up with a compelling story. Themes have to emerge naturally and with layers of complication.

(H/T Advice to Writers)

The Explosion of Plot

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When I was in high school, I was really into writing stories without plot. Plot was old, I thought; existential angst was in! I wish I had seen this quote back then:

“Plot is people. Human emotions and desires founded on the realities of life, working at cross purposes, getting hotter and fiercer as they strike against each other until finally there’s an explosion—that’s Plot.”—Leigh Brackett

I love that description. Plot isn’t just action; it’s people getting in each other’s way and confronting each other.

Also, I hadn’t heard of Leigh Brackett before, but apparently she co-wrote The Empire Strikes Back. Awesomeness!

(via Writer’s Digest)

Understanding, Not Fear

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Brain Pickings has a great roundup of quotes from famous scientists about what science is. One of my favorites, by Marie Curie:

“Nothing in life is to be feared, it is only to be understood. Now is the time to understand more, so that we may fear less.”

A fantastic philosophy for life in general, and I think one writers should keep in mind as well. Part of writing and reading means opening your mind to other possibilities and ways of life, even if they’re uncomfortable or scary. The more we understand, the better.