I don't want to write things that people don't want to…
“I don't want to write things that people don't want to read. I would have no pleasure in producing something that sold 600 copies but that was considered very wonderful. I would prefer to sell 20,000 copies because the readers loved it. When I write books I don't actually think about the market in that way. I just tell myself the story. I don't think I'm talking to a 10-year-old boy or a six-year-old girl. I just write on the level the story seems to call for.”
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 values genuine reader connection over commercial success, prioritizing story integrity over market trends.
In simple terms: Write for readers, not sales figures.
Key Takeaway
Focus on story quality.
Themes
authenticity
creativity
reader connection
Mood
reflective
determined
Type
advice
philosophical
When to use this quote
- writing a novel
- publishing
- marketing decisions
Key Concepts
literary integrity
audience focus
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance artistic integrity with financial needs?
- What defines a 'wonderful' book for you?
A Different Perspective
Market pressure can compromise artistic vision.