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My study throngs with characters waiting to be written…

“My study throngs with characters waiting to be written. Imaginary people, anxious for a life, who tug at my sleeve, crying, 'Me next! Go on! My turn!' I have to select. And once I have chosen, the others lie quiet for ten months or a year, until I come to the end of the story, and the clamor…” quote by Diane Setterfield
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““My study throngs with characters waiting to be written. Imaginary people, anxious for a life, who tug at my sleeve, crying, 'Me next! Go on! My turn!' I have to select. And once I have chosen, the others lie quiet for ten months or a year, until I come to the end of the story, and the clamor starts up again.””

Diane Setterfield

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The writer must choose which imagined characters to develop, leaving others dormant until later in the narrative.

In simple terms: Writers prioritize characters, pausing others.

Key Takeaway

Focus on one story at a time.

Themes

creativity writing character development

Mood

reflective inspired

Type

literary creative

When to use this quote

  • novel drafting
  • screenwriting
  • storyboarding
  • creative workshops

Key Concepts

narrative pacing selection imagination

Questions to Reflect On

  • Which character will you bring to life first?
  • How do you decide which ideas to set aside?
A Different Perspective

Balancing many ideas can stall progress.

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