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I tell people the first time I decided to write a novel I…

“I tell people the first time I decided to write a novel I was in my mid-20s, and it was, 'Well, it's time to see if I can do this.' I basically flipped a coin to see if I was going to write science fiction or if I was going to do a crime novel. The coin toss went to science fiction.” quote by John Scalzi
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“I tell people the first time I decided to write a novel I was in my mid-20s, and it was, 'Well, it's time to see if I can do this.' I basically flipped a coin to see if I was going to write science fiction or if I was going to do a crime novel. The coin toss went to science fiction.”

John Scalzi

About This Quote

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

Choosing a genre can be a playful, decisive act; a simple coin flip can spark commitment to a creative path.

In simple terms: A coin toss decided the novel’s genre, leading to action.

Key Takeaway

Use a small, random decision to overcome indecision.

Themes

creativity decision‑making writing

Mood

motivational pragmatic

Type

advice inspirational

When to use this quote

  • starting a novel
  • overcoming writer’s block
  • choosing a project
  • daily writing habit

Key Concepts

randomness commitment genre selection

Questions to Reflect On

  • What genre truly excites you beyond the initial decision?
  • How will you stay motivated if the chosen genre feels limiting?
A Different Perspective

Random choice may not align with long‑term passion or market fit.

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