Southerners love a good tale. They are born reciters, great memory retainers, diary keepers, letter exchangers . . . great talkers.
Eudora WeltyRead
The first act of insight is throw away the labels. In fiction, while we do not necessarily write about ourselves, we write out of ourselves, using ourselves; what we learn from, what we are sensitive to, what we feel strongly about--these become our characters and go to make our plots. Characters in fiction are conceived from within, and they have, accordingly, their own interior life; they are individuals every time.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes the importance of authenticity in writing and creativity, urging us to discard preconceived notions and labels.
Eudora Welty's quote highlights that true creativity in fiction arises from an author's genuine experiences and emotions. Rather than simply reflecting external labels or societal expectations, writers should delve into their inner selves to create rich, authentic characters that resonate with readers. This creative process not only enriches the narrative but also allows for a deeper exploration of individuality within the realm of fiction.
Themes
CreativityAuthenticityCharactersFictionWriting
In practice
Example use cases
An author discussing the need for authenticity in their writing at a literary seminar.
More from Eudora Welty
All quotes →Writing a story or a novel is one way of discovering sequence in experience, of stumbling upon cause and effect in the happenings of a writer's own life.
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A sheltered life can be a daring life as well. For all serious daring starts from within.
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For the source of the short story is usually lyrical. And all writers speak from, and speak to, emotions eternally the same in all of us: love, pity, terror do not show favorites or leave any of us out.
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The events in our lives happen in a sequence in time, but in their significance to ourselves they find their own order the continuous thread of revelation.
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Each day the storm clouds were opening like great purple flowers and pouring out their dark thunder. Each nightfall, the storm was laid down on their houses like a burden the day had carried.
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