As a species, we tend to live in environments where our own artifacts dominate. The way we shape our environment and are in turn shaped by it is a key theme in my fiction - indeed, it's a key part of a great deal of science fiction.
Ken LiuRead
I get to use fiction as a way to work out my thinking and to delight readers in the process. I can't think of any deal that's better for me, and I'm always so grateful that readers have indulged me as I argue with myself in my stories.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote expresses the joy of using fiction to clarify thoughts while delighting readers.
In this quote, Ken Liu reflects on the dual purpose of writing fiction: it serves as a medium for the author to explore their own thoughts and arguments, while also providing enjoyment and engagement for the readers. Liu conveys a deep sense of gratitude for the opportunity to share his inner dialogue through storytelling, highlighting the unique relationship between the writer and the audience in the creative process.
Themes
FictionWritingGratitudeStoriesReaders
In practice
Example use cases
An author could use this quote in a speech about the significance of storytelling in their writing process.
More from Ken Liu
All quotes →In creating the silkpunk aesthetic, I was influenced by the ideas of W. Brian Arthur, who articulates a vision of technology as a language.
Ken LiuRead
There are so many different narrative traditions across the world, and each of those traditions has evolved dramatically over time. Once I understood that, I felt truly free; I could write and invent the way I wanted to because there never has been only one way to tell a good story.
Ken LiuRead
The truth is not delicate and it does not suffer from denial—the truth only dies when true stories are untold.
Ken LiuRead
Labels like 'Chinese Science Fiction' or 'Western Science Fiction' summarize a vast field of work, all of which are diverse and driven by individual authors, with individual concerns.
Ken LiuRead
I think that what's unique about sci-fi - at least from the view of a lot of Chinese writers - is that sci-fi is least-rooted in the particular culture that they're writing from.
Ken LiuRead
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