I honestly think in order to be a writer, you have to…
““I honestly think in order to be a writer, you have to learn to be reverent. If not, why are you writing? Why are you here? Let's think of reverence as awe, as presence in and openness to the world. The alternative is that we stultify, we shut down. Think of those times when you've read prose or poetry that is presented in such a way that you have a fleeting sense of being startled by beauty or insight, by a glimpse into someone's soul. All of a sudden everything seems to fit together or at least to have some meaning for a moment. This is our goal as writers, I think; to help others have this sense of -- please forgive me -- wonder, of seeing things anew, things that can catch us off guard, that break in on our small, bordered worlds.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Writers must approach their craft with reverence, treating language as a conduit for awe and insight, so readers experience moments of wonder and connection.
In simple terms: Write with reverence to evoke awe and insight.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate reverence in writing.
Themes
writing
creativity
wonder
Mood
inspired
reflective
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- teaching writing
- reading poetry
- creative workshops
- personal reflection
Key Concepts
reverence
presence
openness
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you practice reverence before writing?
- What moments of wonder have you felt as a reader?
A Different Perspective
If reverence is lacking, work can feel shallow and fail to move readers.