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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 Follett
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Success often follows perseverance and understanding audience needs.

In this quote, Ken Follett highlights the challenges he faced in his writing journey, emphasizing that persistent effort is crucial for achieving success. By focusing on what readers find engaging rather than imposing his messages, he underscores the importance of adaptability and audience connection in creative pursuits.

Themes

SuccessPerseveranceWritingAudienceCreativity

In practice

Example use cases

During a motivational speech about overcoming hurdles in a career.

More from Ken Follett

Trusting 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.
Ken FollettRead
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.
Ken FollettRead
Without books I would not have become a vivacious reader, and if you are not a reader you are not a writer.
Ken FollettRead
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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