Listen, I wrote 10 unsuccessful books before I broke through, so I'm looking all the time to keep my books fascinating. I want to write what people want to read, not push any message.
Ken FollettRead
I want to tell a story that makes the reader always want to see what will happen next.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the importance of storytelling in engaging an audience.
Ken Follett highlights the fundamental goal of storytelling, which is to captivate and maintain the reader's interest through a narrative that leaves them eager for more. This reflects the essence of good writing, where anticipation and curiosity guide the reader's experience.
Themes
StorytellingNarrativeEngagementAnticipationWriting
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a writing workshop to inspire budding authors.
More from Ken Follett
All quotes βTrusting someone was like holding a little water in your cupped hands - it was so easy to spill the water, and you could never get it back.
Ken FollettRead
You see, all that I ever held dear has been taken from me," she said in a matter-of-fact tone. "And when you've lost everything-" Her facade began to crumble, and her voice broke, but she made herself carry on. "When you've lost everything, you've got nothing to lose.
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Without books I would not have become a vivacious reader, and if you are not a reader you are not a writer.
Ken FollettRead
When I'm writing a woman character, I don't think, 'What would a woman do?' I just think, 'What would this character do in this situation?'
Ken FollettRead
Well, for people who want to write best sellers, the best advice I can give is to say that the novel has to engage the reader emotionally.
Ken FollettRead
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