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 βOne 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
Do not be afraid to ask for help. Nobody gets through college on their own.
Michelle ObamaRead
In the Western tradition, we have focused on teaching as a skill and forgotten what Socrates knew: teaching is a gift, learning is a skill.
Peter DruckerRead
You need, as a historian, essential triangulation from your subject and the only way you get that triangulation is through time.
Ken BurnsRead
To read a novel requires a certain amount of concentration, focus, devotion to the reading. If you read a novel in more than two weeks, you don't read the novel, really.
Philip RothRead
I knew I would read all kinds of books and try to get at what it is that makes good writers good. But I made no promises that I would write books a lot of people would like to read.
Carl SandburgRead
As an academic, what do you have? You have the quality of your work and the integrity with which you do it.
Ezekiel EmanuelRead