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In journalism, a fact is just a fact. But in fiction, you have to build your case. It has to be made, step by step.
Edward P. Jones
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Interpretation

What this quote means

In journalism, facts are presented plainly, while fiction requires a layered and crafted narrative.

Edward P. Jones highlights the distinction between journalism and fiction, suggesting that while journalism deals with unembellished truths, fiction demands a more intricate construction of narrative. In fiction, the author must methodically build the story and its emotional weight, weaving together elements that appeal to the imagination and resonate on a deeper level with the audience.

Themes

JournalismFictionNarrativeTruthWriting

In practice

Example use cases

Quoting this in a writing workshop to discuss the differences between storytelling in journalism and fiction.

More from Edward P. Jones

There are those who write because they believe they have something so marvelous that it will make them famous and wealthy, a lauded commodity who will be invited to a lifetime of cocktail parties.
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