We're always attracted to the edges of what we are, out by the edges where it's a little raw and nervy.
E. L. DoctorowRead
The important thing is not to be too comfortable when you're writing. Noise in the street? That's good. The computer goes down? That's good. All these things are good. It has to be a little bit of a struggle.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Writing should involve some level of discomfort or struggle to foster creativity.
E. L. Doctorow emphasizes that challenges and distractions while writing can enhance the creative process. Rather than seeking a perfectly serene environment, writers should embrace difficulties, as they can lead to innovative ideas and personal growth in their work.
Themes
WritingCreativityStruggleDistractionsComfort
In practice
Example use cases
During a writing workshop, to encourage participants to find inspiration in chaos, one might say this quote.
More from E. L. Doctorow
All quotes →One of the things I had to learn as a writer was to trust the act of writing. To put myself in the position of writing to find out what I was writing.
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In fiction, you know, there are no borders. You can go anywhere.
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Books are acts of composition: you compose them. You make music: the music is called fiction.
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We are all good friends. Friendship is what endures. Shared ideals, respect for the whole character of a human being.
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I've known several cases of writers who decide to write about something and they research the hell out of it and when they're ready to write, they can't move because they are so burdened. I start writing. Whatever I need somehow comes to hand.
E. L. DoctorowRead
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