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The writer's object is - or should be - to hold the reader's attention.
Barbara W. Tuchman
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Writers should aim to engage and captivate their readers.

This quote emphasizes the primary responsibility of a writer, which is to captivate their audience. Engaging the reader is essential for effective writing, as it ensures that the message is not only delivered but also received with interest and enthusiasm.

Themes

WriterAttentionEngagementReadingWriting

In practice

Example use cases

In a lecture on storytelling, this quote highlights the importance of reader engagement.

More from Barbara W. Tuchman

Every successful revolution puts on in time the robes of the tyrant it has deposed.
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If a man is a writer, everybody tiptoes around past the locked door of the breadwinner. But if you're an ordinary female housewife, people say, 'This is just something Barbara wanted to do; it's not professional.'
Barbara W. TuchmanRead

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