I'm glad I wrote them when I did because I think if I were to write my first novel now, it would be a different book, and it may not be the book that everybody wants to read. But if I were given a red pen now, and I went back... I'd take that thing apart.
Interpretation
This quote reflects on the author's evolving perspective on his work and the nature of creativity.
Khaled Hosseini expresses a sense of satisfaction with his earlier writing, acknowledging that with the benefit of hindsight, he would approach it differently today. His statement highlights the evolution of an artist's vision and the tension between past creations and current standards, suggesting that while he may critique his earlier work, it carries intrinsic value for both himself and his audience.
In practice
This quote could be used during a writing workshop to illustrate the importance of evolving as an artist.
You're gutless. It's how you were made. And that's not such a bad thing because your saving grace is that you've never lied to yourself about it. Not about that. Nothing wrong with cowardice as long as it comes with prudence. But when a coward stops remembering who he is... God help him.
There was brotherhood between people who had fed from the same breast, a kinship that even time could not break. - Amir
I don't outline at all; I don't find it useful, and I don't like the way it boxes me in. I like the element of surprise and spontaneity, of letting the story find its own way.
And that's the thing about people who mean everything they say. They think everyone else does too.
Perspective [is] a luxury when your head [is] constantly buzzing with a swarm of demons.
The desert weed lives on, but the flower of spring blooms and wilts.
I remember the first year at the Game Developers Conference I wore these big red giant knee-high boots. Nobody cared. You can wear anything you love, because that's what you do in games. You make yourself who you want to be.
To me, the great joy of writing is discovering. Most writers are told to write about what they know, but I still love the adventure of going out and reporting on things I don't know about.
I've always written songs the same way. You learn different tricks - you learn craft, you learn structure, all that - as you go.
Poetry seems to be the only weapon able to beat language, using language's own means.
But in Hiroshima, some people were wiped clean away, leaving only a wristwatch or a diary page. So no matter that I have inhibitions to fill all my pockets, I keep trying, hoping that one day I'll write a poem I can be proud to let sit in a museum exhibit as the only proof I existed.
Originality is the fine art of remembering what you hear but forgetting where you heard it.
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