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I can write any kind of novel I want, any time, and sell…

“I can write any kind of novel I want, any time, and sell it, but there's not that many people watching it. Even a low-rated TV show is a couple million more people than read my books. You want to be read, in essence. If you're a television writer, you're a writer and you want people to read your…” quote by George Pelecanos
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“I can write any kind of novel I want, any time, and sell it, but there's not that many people watching it. Even a low-rated TV show is a couple million more people than read my books. You want to be read, in essence. If you're a television writer, you're a writer and you want people to read your stuff. You're still reaching a bigger audience, that way. That's a philosophical way to look at it.”

George Pelecanos

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 notes that writing novels reaches fewer readers than TV, suggesting writers should consider broader media for impact.

In simple terms: TV reaches more people than books

Key Takeaway

Consider multiple platforms for wider reach

Themes

media reach audience

Mood

analytical pragmatic

Type

advice observational

When to use this quote

  • author interviews
  • publishing strategy

Key Concepts

publishing television digital media

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can writers maintain quality across media?
  • What trade‑offs exist between reach and depth?
A Different Perspective

TV may dilute literary depth

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