If a writer of prose knows enough about what he is writing…
“If a writer of prose knows enough about what he is writing about he may omit things that he knows and the reader, if the writer is writing truly enough, will have a feeling of those things as strongly as though the writer had stated them. The dignity of movement of an iceberg is due to only one-eighth of it being above water. A writer who omits things because he does not know them only makes hollow places in his writing.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
A writer should trust the reader to infer unspoken details, using omission to create depth.
In simple terms: Omit details to let readers imagine.
Key Takeaway
Write with implication, not over‑explanation.
Themes
writing
implication
reader engagement
Mood
thoughtful
creative
Type
instructional
literary
When to use this quote
- Novels
- short stories
- screenplays
- journalism
Key Concepts
Narrative technique
show don’t tell
Questions to Reflect On
- What details can you leave unsaid?
- How does omission affect pacing?
A Different Perspective
Over‑omission can confuse readers.