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I think that sense of surprise, that you don't know where…

“I think that sense of surprise, that you don't know where something is going, or what's going to happen, even as you write, that you're making it up as you go along - that's important to me. It's not a question of shock or surprise in a gimmicky way. It's that as you read, you become more deeply…” quote by Lynne Tillman
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“I think that sense of surprise, that you don't know where something is going, or what's going to happen, even as you write, that you're making it up as you go along - that's important to me. It's not a question of shock or surprise in a gimmicky way. It's that as you read, you become more deeply into something and into what happens, and become more involved and engaged, you're learning something or you're appreciating something or seeing something differently - that's what's surprising.”

Lynne Tillman

About This Quote

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

Surprise arises when narrative unfolds unpredictably, deepening engagement and insight.

In simple terms: Unexpected twists deepen reader involvement.

Key Takeaway

Embrace uncertainty to enhance connection.

Themes

creativity engagement learning

Mood

curious inspired

Type

reflective inspirational

When to use this quote

  • Writing workshops
  • novel drafting
  • live storytelling
  • improvisational theater

Key Concepts

Narrative unpredictability immersive experience

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does uncertainty affect your attention?
  • What benefits arise from spontaneous creation?
A Different Perspective

Predictability can limit depth and emotional impact.

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