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
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.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Overthinking and excessive preparation can hinder creativity; action can lead to inspiration and solutions.
E. L. Doctorow's quote emphasizes that the creative process should not be paralyzed by over-researching or overthinking a topic. Instead, taking the initiative to start writing can lead to unexpected ideas and resources that emerge naturally as one engages in the act of creation.
Themes
CreativityWritingActionInspirationResearch
In practice
Example use cases
In a writing workshop, to encourage participants to start writing without fear, one might use 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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Things that appear on the front page of the newspaper as 'fact' are far more dangerous than the games played by a novelist, and can lead to wars.
E. L. DoctorowRead
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