I believe in leavening. You can't have words sticking out…
“I believe in leavening. You can't have words sticking out too much, like promontories. They disturb the density. You have to flatten them, or raise the surrounding terrain.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
He likens excessive words to protruding landforms that disrupt narrative flow, advocating smoother prose.
In simple terms: Avoid overly prominent words; smooth prose.
Key Takeaway
Edit for fluidity and cohesion.
Themes
writing
style
editing
Mood
analytical
creative
Type
literary
instructional
When to use this quote
- creative writing
- editing workshops
- literary criticism
Key Concepts
prose density
narrative flow
Questions to Reflect On
- Which words feel out of place?
- How can you achieve smoother narrative?
A Different Perspective
Editing can be subjective.