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
- 85% sureThese words were traced back to where they first appeared. That source is listed below.
- 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.
- The Paris Review, The Art of Fiction No. 17
- 1957 · asked what devices improve a writer's technique
More on creativity
A thing of beauty is a joy forever.
John KeatsThe more the marble wastes, the more the statue grows.
MichelangeloMelody is the essence of music.
Wolfgang Amadeus MozartMusic must never offend the ear, even in most horrendous situations, but must always be pleasing.
Wolfgang Amadeus MozartMelody and harmony should be simply tools in the hands of the artist, with which he creates music.
Giuseppe VerdiFiction is to the grown man what play is to the child; it is there that he changes the atmosphere and tenor of his life.
Robert Louis Stevenson
John KeatsThe more the marble wastes, the more the statue grows.
MichelangeloMelody is the essence of music.
Wolfgang Amadeus MozartMusic must never offend the ear, even in most horrendous situations, but must always be pleasing.
Wolfgang Amadeus MozartMelody and harmony should be simply tools in the hands of the artist, with which he creates music.
Giuseppe VerdiFiction is to the grown man what play is to the child; it is there that he changes the atmosphere and tenor of his life.
Robert Louis StevensonMore inspiration
See allYou gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face.
Eleanor RooseveltNo one can make you feel inferior without your consent.
Eleanor RooseveltLittle strokes fell great oaks.
Benjamin FranklinEnergy and persistence conquer all things.
Benjamin FranklinWell done is better than well said.
Benjamin FranklinIf there is no struggle, there is no progress.
Frederick Douglass
Eleanor RooseveltNo one can make you feel inferior without your consent.
Eleanor RooseveltLittle strokes fell great oaks.
Benjamin FranklinEnergy and persistence conquer all things.
Benjamin FranklinWell done is better than well said.
Benjamin FranklinIf there is no struggle, there is no progress.
Frederick Douglass