We're always attracted to the edges of what we are, out by the edges where it's a little raw and nervy.
E. L. DoctorowRead
Books are acts of composition: you compose them. You make music: the music is called fiction.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Books are creatively crafted like music, reflecting the artistry of their authors.
E. L. Doctorow's quote emphasizes the artistic process involved in writing books, likening them to music composition. Just as a composer creates music through careful arrangement and creativity, an author constructs a narrative in fiction, highlighting the creative expression that lies at the heart of storytelling.
Themes
BooksCompositionFictionMusicCreativity
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a speech about the importance of creativity in literature.
More from E. L. Doctorow
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In fiction, you know, there are no borders. You can go anywhere.
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We are all good friends. Friendship is what endures. Shared ideals, respect for the whole character of a human being.
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I've known several cases of writers who decide to write about something and they research the hell out of it and when they're ready to write, they can't move because they are so burdened. I start writing. Whatever I need somehow comes to hand.
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Things that appear on the front page of the newspaper as 'fact' are far more dangerous than the games played by a novelist, and can lead to wars.
E. L. DoctorowRead
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