Try any goddam thing you like, no matter how boringly normal or outrageous. If it works, fine. If it doesn't, toss it. Toss it even if you love it.
Stephen KingRead
The object of fiction isn't grammatical correctness but to make the reader welcome and then tell a story.... Writing is seduction. Good talk is part of seduction.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Fiction prioritizes engaging storytelling over strict grammar, and writing is akin to the art of seduction.
In this quote, Stephen King emphasizes that the essence of fiction is not bound by grammatical rules but focuses on creating an inviting atmosphere for the reader. He likens writing to seduction, where the ultimate goal is to charm the audience and effectively narrate a captivating story, suggesting that effective communication involves an element of allure and connection.
Themes
FictionStorytellingWritingSeductionEngagement
In practice
Example use cases
This quote could be used as a part of a writing workshop to inspire aspiring authors.
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Description begins in the writer’s imagination, but should finish in the reader’s.
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That's the day's business. Thinking. Thinking and isolation, because it doesn't matter if you pass the time of day with someone or not; in the end, you're alone. He seemed to have put in as many miles in his brain as he had with his feet. The thoughts kept coming and there was no way to deny them.
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Late last night and the night before, tommyknockers, tommyknockers knocking on my door. I wanna go out, don't know if I can 'cuz I'm so afraid of the tommyknocker man.
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