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
I began to ask two questions while I was reading a book that excited me: not only what was going to happen next, but how is this done? How is it that these words on the page make me feel the way I'm feeling? This is the line of inquiry that I think happens in a child's mind, without him even knowing he has aspirations as a writer.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote explores the curiosity and inspiration that reading can spark, particularly in aspiring writers.
E. L. Doctorow reflects on the innate curiosity that reading ignites in individuals, especially children, and how it leads them to not only anticipate the plot of a story but to also question the mechanics behind the emotional impact of the written word. He suggests that this inquiry into storytelling is fundamental to developing a passion for writing, although the child may not consciously recognize it as aspiration.
Themes
ReadingWritingCuriosityEmotionStorytelling
In practice
Example use cases
In a book club meeting to inspire discussions about the impact of literature.
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.
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Books are acts of composition: you compose them. You make music: the music is called fiction.
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We are all good friends. Friendship is what endures. Shared ideals, respect for the whole character of a human being.
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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
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