I can't read novels while I'm writing a novel, because somebody's voice creeps in.
T. C. BoyleRead
I don't care if the audience is 600 Saul Bellows; I'm going to knock them dead with a comedy routine. I'm out there as a missionary for literature because, if people laugh and enjoy themselves, they might actually do something as bizarre as reading the book.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the transformative power of comedy in promoting literature.
T. C. Boyle expresses the belief that through humor and entertainment, he can inspire audiences to engage with literature. He views his performance as a mission to increase interest in reading by making people laugh and enjoy themselves, highlighting the connection between enjoyment and literary engagement.
Themes
ComedyLiteratureAudienceEntertainmentInspiration
In practice
Example use cases
During a speech at a literary festival, I might use this quote to highlight the importance of engaging audiences.
More from T. C. Boyle
All quotes →This is the beauty of fiction. We may not like these characters, but we inhabit them.
T. C. BoyleRead
It's true that none of my characters are admirable. But maybe I'm primarily a satirist, and a satirist needs to hold up what's not admirable.
T. C. BoyleRead
Sometimes if something is entertaining and amusing, people tend to think that it doesn't have the depth of something that's dramatic. I don't think that's true.
T. C. BoyleRead
I think the way to be a writer is to experience things, certainly, and be open to things, but at some point to become dedicated to the craft of writing and to create a stable environment for that writing to occur in.
T. C. BoyleRead
I hope to stay light on my feet, to work in many modes, to seek inspiration always, and avoid the fatal. But, as we all know, it is the price of life to burn out, both metaphorically and literally.
T. C. BoyleRead
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