Whatever is felt upon the page without being specifically named there — that, one might say, is created.
Willa CatherRead
To think in terms of what the effect of a story is going to be, as opposed to trying to discover its inner logic, is one of the fundamental dangers in the process.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Focusing on the impact of a story rather than its underlying structure can lead to creative pitfalls.
David Milch highlights a critical aspect of storytelling: when creators prioritize the expected effects and responses of their audience over the inherent logic and structure of the narrative, they risk compromising the authenticity and depth of the story. This quote serves as a reminder for artists and writers to maintain a balance, ensuring that their works resonate both emotionally and intellectually, rather than solely aiming for immediate audience reactions.
Themes
StorytellingNarrativeCreativityLogicImpact
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about the importance of authenticity in storytelling, this quote could emphasize the need for depth in narratives.
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