Try any goddam thing you like, no matter how boringly normal or outrageous. If it works, fine. If it doesn't, toss it. Toss it even if you love it.
I see things, that's all. Write enough stories and every shadow on the floor looks like a footprint; every line in the dirt like a secret message.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the power of storytelling and perception in uncovering hidden meanings and emotions in everyday life.
Stephen King's quote reflects on the idea that through the lens of creativity and narrative, ordinary observations can take on deeper significance. It suggests that an attentive, imaginative mind can interpret life's nuances, turning simple elements like shadows and lines into stories filled with potential meaning and secrets. This perspective highlights the art of storytelling, where the mundane can transform into a narrative rich with emotion and insight.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
A writer might use this quote to emphasize the depth of observation required in storytelling during a workshop.
More from Stephen King
All quotes →Eddie discovered one of his childhood's great truths. Grownups are the real monsters, he thought.
Hairstyles change, and skirt lengths, and slang, but high school administrations? Never.
Description begins in the writer’s imagination, but should finish in the reader’s.
That's the day's business. Thinking. Thinking and isolation, because it doesn't matter if you pass the time of day with someone or not; in the end, you're alone. He seemed to have put in as many miles in his brain as he had with his feet. The thoughts kept coming and there was no way to deny them.
Late last night and the night before, tommyknockers, tommyknockers knocking on my door. I wanna go out, don't know if I can 'cuz I'm so afraid of the tommyknocker man.
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