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I like commas. I detest semi-colons — I don’t think they…

“I like commas. I detest semi-colons — I don’t think they belong in a story. And I gave up quotation marks long ago. I found I didn’t need them, they were fly-specks on the page.” quote by E. L. Doctorow
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“I like commas. I detest semi-colons — I don’t think they belong in a story. And I gave up quotation marks long ago. I found I didn’t need them, they were fly-specks on the page.”

E. L. Doctorow

About This Quote

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

The author prefers commas over semicolons and avoids quotation marks, seeing them as unnecessary.

In simple terms: Prefers simple punctuation.

Key Takeaway

Use punctuation that serves the story.

Themes

writing punctuation style

Mood

thoughtful analytical

Type

literary creative

When to use this quote

  • novel writing
  • editing
  • creative process

Key Concepts

literary technique authorial voice

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does punctuation affect narrative flow?
  • When are quotes essential?
A Different Perspective

May limit expressive nuance.

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