1. Use the time of a total stranger in such a way that he…
““1. Use the time of a total stranger in such a way that he or she will not feel the time was wasted. 2. Give the reader at least one character he or she can root for. 3. Every character should want something, even if it is only a glass of water. 4. Every sentence must do one of two things — reveal character or advance the action. 5. Start as close to the end as possible. 6. Be a sadist. Now matter how sweet and innocent your leading characters, make awful things happen to them — in order that the reader may see what they are made of. 7. Write to please just one person. If you open a window and make love to the world, so to speak, your story will get pneumonia. 8. Give your readers as much information as possible as soon as possible. To heck with suspense. Readers should have such complete understanding of what is going on, where and why, that they could finish the story themselves, should cockroaches eat the last few pages.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Effective storytelling requires purposeful pacing, clear stakes, and emotional intensity to engage readers fully.
In simple terms: Good stories need clear goals, strong characters, and constant forward motion.
Key Takeaway
Focus on character desire and plot momentum.
Themes
writing
character
plot
emotion
audience
Mood
intense
direct
provocative
Type
instructional
creative
motivational
When to use this quote
- novel drafting
- screenwriting
- short story creation
- editing
- workshop feedback
Key Concepts
Narrative structure
character motivation
dramatic tension
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you balance cruelty with empathy?
- What single character goal drives your plot?
A Different Perspective
Overemphasis on shock can alienate readers seeking subtlety.