The pleasure of writing fiction is that you are always spotting some new approach, an alternative way of telling a story and manipulating characters; the novel is such a wonderfully flexible form.
Penelope LivelyRead
In old age, you realise that while you're divided from your youth by decades, you can close your eyes and summon it at will. As a writer it puts one at a distinct advantage.
Interpretation
What this quote means
In old age, memories of youth can be vividly recalled, which can benefit a writer.
This quote reflects on the nature of aging and memory, suggesting that even as we grow older, the experiences and vibrancy of our youth remain accessible to us. For writers, this ability to summon these memories can create a rich well of inspiration and insight that enhances their narratives and creative expression.
Themes
AgingMemoryWritingYouthExperience
In practice
Example use cases
During a speech about the importance of creative writing, this quote could inspire aspiring writers to draw from their personal histories.
More from Penelope Lively
All quotes →All I know for certain is that reading is of the most intense importance to me; if I were not able to read, to revisit old favorites and experiment with names new to me, I would be starved - probably too starved to go on writing myself.
Penelope LivelyRead
The present hardly exists, after all-it becomes the past even as it happens. A tricky medium, time - and central to the concerns of fiction.
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Giving presents is one of the most possessive things we do, did you realize that? It's the way we keep a hold on other people. Plant ourselves in their lives.
Penelope LivelyRead
The idea that memory is linear is nonsense. What we have in our heads is a collection of frames. As to time itself-can it be linear when all these snatches of other presents exist at once in your mind? A very elusive and tricky concept, time.
Penelope LivelyRead
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