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
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. I did that with 'World's Fair,' as with all of them. The inventions of the book come as discoveries.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Writing involves exploration and trust in the creative process.
E. L. Doctorow emphasizes the importance of trusting the writing process and allowing ideas to emerge organically. Through this quote, he highlights that writing is a journey of discovery, where the writer learns what they are creating as they delve into the act of writing itself.
Themes
WritingTrustCreativityDiscoveryProcess
In practice
Example use cases
In a writing workshop, to inspire students about the writing process.
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.
E. L. DoctorowRead
In fiction, you know, there are no borders. You can go anywhere.
E. L. DoctorowRead
Books are acts of composition: you compose them. You make music: the music is called fiction.
E. L. DoctorowRead
We are all good friends. Friendship is what endures. Shared ideals, respect for the whole character of a human being.
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.
E. L. DoctorowRead
Similar quotes
I hope my recordings of my own works won't inhibit other people's performances. The brutal fact is that one doesn't always get the exact tempo one wants, although one improves with experience.
Aaron CoplandRead
To make your unknown known - that's the important thing.
Georgia O'KeeffeRead
Photography is a kind of virtual reality, and it helps if you can create the illusion of being in an interesting world.
Steven PinkerRead
Art is not living. It is the use of living. The artist has the ability to take the living and use it in a certain way and produce art.
Audre LordeRead
As creators, our pursuit of perfection might be misguided, particularly if it comes at the expense of the things that matter.
Seth GodinRead
Fashions come and go; bad taste is timeless.
Beau BrummellRead