I really, truly believe that writing comes out of the body; of course, the mind is working as well, but it's a double thing and that doubleness is united. I mean, you can't separate persona from psyche; you just can't do it.
Paul AusterRead
Writing historical novels can be dangerous. We need to be as accurate and as fair about the historical record as we can be, at the same time as creating our fictional characters and, hopefully, telling a good story. The challenge is weaving the fiction into the history.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Writing historical novels requires a balance between factual accuracy and creative storytelling.
Edward Rutherfurd highlights the complexities of writing historical novels, emphasizing the necessity for authors to accurately portray historical events while simultaneously developing engaging fictional characters. The challenge lies in skillfully blending historical facts with imaginative narratives to create compelling stories that respect the integrity of the past.
Themes
Historical NovelsFictionAccuracyStorytellingCharacters
In practice
Example use cases
Discussing the responsibilities of authors at a literary conference.
Similar quotes
Novels are fictions and therefore they tell lies, but through those lies every novelist attempts to tell the truth about the world.
Paul AusterRead
We are not moving towards some kind of goal. We are at the goal, and it is changing with us. If art has any purpose, it is to open our eyes to that fact.
Antony GormleyRead
My mother encouraged me to be artistic. It was written in a contract at an early age that I would be an artist.
Kurt CobainRead
I can get excitement watching rain on a puddle. And then I paint it. Now, I admit, there are not too many people who would find that exciting. But I would. And I want life thrilling and rich. And it is. I make sure it is.
David HockneyRead
What I do is rooted in magic - it's got a big foot planted firmly in conjuring, even if the other foot's planted in psychological techniques.
Derren BrownRead