The fiction writer in me likes gaps in stories because I can jump into that gap and try to suggest something.
Marlon JamesRead
If your depiction of loss doesn't make the reader feel loss, then you didn't depict it right.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Effective storytelling should evoke genuine emotions in the reader.
Marlon James emphasizes the importance of creating an authentic emotional experience in literature. If an author's portrayal of loss fails to resonate with readers, it suggests that the depiction lacks depth or authenticity, highlighting the critical role of emotional engagement in storytelling.
Themes
LossEmotionStorytellingAuthenticityReader
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a workshop about creative writing techniques.
More from Marlon James
All quotes βI'm not a writer on a mission, and I'm very suspicious of writers on missions, but I'm also not living a false life.
Marlon JamesRead
I always tell my students to complicate your characters: never make it easy for the reader. Nobody is ever one thing. That's what makes characters compelling.
Marlon JamesRead
Not every gay person recites poetry or has read Keats. You can get readers through anything if the characters are complicated. You can't dismiss Josey Wales' quite liberal worldview.
Marlon JamesRead
Similar quotes
Well, I feel that we should always put a little art into what we do. It's better that way.
Jules VerneRead
Creating a poem is a continual process of re-creating your ignorance, in the sense of not knowing what's coming next.
Derek WalcottRead
I'd prostitute my talents if it would further my cause, steal if there was no way out, killing my friends or anyone else if it would help my art.
Ingmar BergmanRead
Poetry is the experience of liberty. The poet risks himself, chances all on the poem's all with each verse he writes.
Octavio PazRead
Music itself is going to become like running water or electricity. So it's like, just take advantage of these last few years because none of this is ever going to happen again. You'd better be prepared for doing a lot of touring because that's really the only unique situation that's going to be left.
David BowieRead
I always say I write because I have questions, not because I have answers. It's true that you begin the conversation - that's the role of the artist. But it's not my job to tell us what to do next. I wish I had those tools.
Jacqueline WoodsonRead