There is only one motive for writing a novel: to be…
““There is only one motive for writing a novel: to be published and read. To me there is no distinction between the mystery novel and the novel, only between good books and bad books. A good book takes the reader into a new world of experience; it is an experiment. A bad book, unless the writing is inept, reinforces the intransigent attitude of the reader not to experiment with a new world. Since there are criminals and psychopaths and sociopaths in all my novels they are in a way psychological thrillers.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Writing novels aims to reach readers; good books invite new experiences, while bad ones discourage experimentation, regardless of genre.
In simple terms: Novels should engage readers and challenge their views.
Key Takeaway
Write to expand readers' horizons.
Themes
literature
psychology
genre
reader engagement
experimentation
Mood
thoughtful
critical
inspirational
Type
analytical
reflective
When to use this quote
- book clubs
- creative writing classes
- editorial reviews
- publishing decisions
Key Concepts
psychological thriller
novel structure
authorial intent
Questions to Reflect On
- How does a novel's quality affect a reader's openness to new perspectives?
- What responsibilities do authors have to challenge readers?
A Different Perspective
Even well‑written bad books can limit readers' willingness to explore new ideas.