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.
Stephen KingRead
If you're just starting out as a writer, you could do worse than strip your television's electric plug-wire, wrap a spike around it, and then stick it back into the wall. See what blows, and how far. Just an idea.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Stephen King suggests that writers should experiment boldly and embrace risks in their creative process.
This quote by Stephen King emphasizes the importance of experimentation in writing. By using the metaphor of manipulating a television's electric plug, he encourages new writers to take daring steps that could lead to enlightening or unexpected outcomes, reflecting the unpredictable nature of creativity. It suggests that pushing boundaries and being adventurous can lead to greater insights in one's writing journey.
Themes
WritingCreativityExperimentationRiskInspiration
In practice
Example use cases
A writing workshop facilitator might use this quote to motivate participants to take creative risks.
More from Stephen King
All quotes →Eddie discovered one of his childhood's great truths. Grownups are the real monsters, he thought.
Stephen KingRead
Hairstyles change, and skirt lengths, and slang, but high school administrations? Never.
Stephen KingRead
Description begins in the writer’s imagination, but should finish in the reader’s.
Stephen KingRead
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.
Stephen KingRead
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.
Stephen KingRead
Similar quotes
When the panting and thirsting soul first drinks the delicious waters of truth, when the moral and intellectual tastes and desires first seize the fragrant fruits that flourish in the garden of knowledge, then does the child catch a glimpse and foretaste of heaven.
Horace MannRead
A diagnosis of Asperger Syndrome can be useful to help a person understand why they have had difficulties.
Simon Baron-CohenRead
One of my great laments is that education today seems to have... be less about passion and more about process, more about tactic or technique.
Neil Degrasse TysonRead
When you're curious, you find lots of interesting things to do.
Walt DisneyRead
The most profound lessons about journalism I've learned have been taught to me by the people I've covered.
Jodi KantorRead
If you are in difficulties with a book, try the element of surprise: attack it at an hour when it isn't expecting it.
H. G. WellsRead