I don't care whether the story is real or fantastical. I tell the story that needs to be told.
Jane YolenRead
Don't ever write just for a trend or fad, because it's a moving target, and by the time you get your work out there, the trend or fad is gone. Dig deep; don't be afraid to write fiercely. Expose your heart.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Write authentically and passionately, rather than conforming to fleeting trends.
Jane Yolen's quote emphasizes the importance of genuine expression in writing. Instead of chasing after temporary trends or fads that may quickly fade, she encourages writers to dig deeper within themselves and create work that reflects their true feelings and thoughts. Writing fiercely and exposing one's heart leads to more meaningful and lasting contributions in the arts.
Themes
WritingAuthenticityPassionTrendsExpression
In practice
Example use cases
In a writing workshop, this quote can inspire participants to write authentically without worrying about market trends.
More from Jane Yolen
All quotes →What makes a good book? Scholars and critics have been debating that question for decades. I like books that touch my head and my heart at the same time.
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Just write. If you have to make a choice, if you say, 'Oh well, I'm going to put the writing away until my children are grown,' then you don't really want to be a writer. If you want to be a writer, you do your writing... If you don't do it, you probably don't want to be a writer, you just want to have written and be famous—which is very different.
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I believe that culture begins in the cradle . . .To do without tales and stories and books is to lose humanity's past, is to have no star map for our future.
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Childrens books change lives. Stories pour into the hearts of children and help make them what they become.
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Folklore is the perfect second skin. From under its hide, we can see all the shimmering, shadowy uncertainties of the world.
Jane YolenRead
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