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
Without books I would not have become a vivacious reader, and if you are not a reader you are not a writer.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Reading is essential for writing; books shape readers and writers alike.
In this quote, Ken Follett emphasizes the critical relationship between reading and writing. He suggests that the experience gained from books nourishes a person's ability to express themselves through writing; therefore, to be a successful writer, one must first cultivate a love for reading, as this forms the foundation of their literary skills and imagination.
Themes
ReadingWritingBooksLiteratureEducation
In practice
Example use cases
During a book club meeting, to spark discussion about the importance of reading.
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.
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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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I want to tell a story that makes the reader always want to see what will happen next.
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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