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 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.”
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.
Embrace uncertainty to enhance connection.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- Writing workshops
- novel drafting
- live storytelling
- improvisational theater
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How does uncertainty affect your attention?
- What benefits arise from spontaneous creation?
Predictability can limit depth and emotional impact.