Ironically, in today's marketplace successful nonfiction has to be unbelievable, while successful fiction must be believable.
Interpretation
Successful nonfiction often requires extraordinary claims, while fiction must remain relatable and credible.
This quote highlights the paradox of the modern marketplace for books, where nonfiction works are expected to present astonishing truths that captivate the audience, whereas fiction is grounded in realism and credibility. It underscores the different expectations readers have for each genre, suggesting that the narrative of reality can sometimes be more surprising than fiction itself, but must still maintain a sense of authenticity for the latter to resonate.
In practice
During a writers' workshop, to illustrate the differences between genres.
Pity is one of the noblest emotions available to human beings; self-pity is possibly the most ignoble . . . . [It] is an incapacity, a crippling emotional disease that severely distorts our perception of reality . . . a narcotic that leaves its addicts wasted and derelict.
Lose your temper and you lose the fight.
We are our choices. Build yourself a great story.
I really wish I was less of a thinking man and more of a fool not afraid of rejection.
Each day is a special gift from God, and while life may not always be fair, you must never allow the pains, hurdles, and handicaps of the moment to poison your attitude and plans for yourself and your future.
I have tried to teach people there are three kicks in every dollar: one, when you make it; two, when you have it. The third kick it when you give it away - and it is the biggest kick of all.
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