Smartyfair
Work is the only device I know of. Writing has laws of perspective, of light and shade, just as painting does, or music. If you are born knowing them, fine. If not, learn them. Then rearrange the rules to suit yourself.

Where these words come from

How sure this is
85% sureThese words were traced back to where they first appeared. That source is listed below.
What turned up
The Paris Review, "The Art of Fiction No. 17" (1957), answering "Are there devices one can use in improving one's technique?" Read from a capture of the magazine's own page.
Work
The Paris Review, The Art of Fiction No. 17
Occasion
1957 · asked what devices improve a writer's technique
Sources checked
  • web.archive.orgChecked using claude-fable-5, 25 August 2026The Paris Review's own page, archived capture — the publisher's printed text, not a mirror or aggregator.

Nothing made from these words yet — Storyfaire is where they get made.

More on creativity

More inspiration

See all

Leave without saving?

You have a change that hasn’t been saved yet. Clicking out of the box saves it — closing now throws that change away.