I'd write of people and places like I knew, and I'd make my characters talk everyday English; and I'd let the sun rise and set in the usual quiet way without much fuss over the fact. If I had to have villains at all, I'd give them a chance, Anne--I'd give them a chance. There are some terrible bad men the world, I suppose, but you'd have to go a long piece to find them...But most of us have got a little decency somewhere in us. Keep on writing, Anne.
Interpretation
The quote emphasizes the importance of authenticity in writing and recognizing the inherent goodness in people.
Lucy Maud Montgomery expresses a philosophy of writing that prioritizes a genuine portrayal of human nature and the world. She suggests that characters should speak in a relatable manner, and that even the villains should be given a chance, reflecting her belief in the underlying decency present in most individuals. This approach highlights the beauty of everyday life and encourages writers to stay true to their experiences and perceptions while portraying a balanced view of humanity.
In practice
In a writing workshop, to inspire fellow writers about the importance of realism in storytelling.
A broken heart in real life isn't half as dreadful as it is in books. It's a good deal like a bad tooth, though you won't think THAT a very romantic simile. It takes spells of aching and gives you a sleepless night now and then, but between times it lets you enjoy life and dreams and echoes and peanut candy as if there were nothing the matter with it.
A house isn't a home without the ineffable contentment of a cat with its tail folded about its feet. A cat gives mystery, charm, suggestion.
Gilbert darling, don't let's ever be afraid of things. It's such dreadful slavery. Let's be daring and adventurous and expectant. Let's dance to meet life and all it can bring to us, even if it brings scads of trouble and typhoid and twins!" (Anne to Gilbert)
Youth is not a vanished thing but something that dwells forever in the heart.
I'm so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.
She had dreamed some brilliant dreams during the past winter and now they lay in the dust around her. In her present mood of self-disgust, she could not immediately begin dreaming again. And she discovered that, while solitude with dreams is glorious, solitude without them has few charms.
This making studies and then taking them home to use them is only half right. You get composition, but you lose freshness; you miss the subtle and, to the artist, the finer characteristics of the scene itself.
If I don't fall in love with my characters, I cannot shoot.
The artist is chosen by God to fulfill his commands and must never be overwhelmed by public opinion.
The truth is, it's easier for me to write than talk... to express the state I'm in at any time.
Architecture does not change anything. It's always on the side of the wealthy. The important thing is to believe that it can make life better.
Obviously I am a photographer and I believe in my medium: I do think that powerful photographs can force change. It doesn't take long to look and be engaged in a strong image whereas, with a story, you have to actually sit down and pause and be involved in it.
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