[T]he success of every novel -- if it's a novel of action…
![“[T]he success of every novel -- if it's a novel of action -- depends on the high spots. The thing to do is to say to yourself, "What are my big scenes?" and then get every drop of juice out of them." (Interview, The Paris Review , Issue 64, Winter 1975)” quote by P.G. Wodehouse](https://sms4smile.com/q/i/5b8/p-g-wodehouse-723_books_t-he-success-of-every-novel-if-it-s-a-no_1197285.png)
““[T]he success of every novel -- if it's a novel of action -- depends on the high spots. The thing to do is to say to yourself, "What are my big scenes?" and then get every drop of juice out of them." (Interview, The Paris Review , Issue 64, Winter 1975)””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
A writer should identify the most dramatic moments in a story and fully exploit them, extracting maximum impact and energy.
In simple terms: Focus on the most dramatic scenes and make them count.
Key Takeaway
Maximize impact by highlighting key moments.
Themes
writing
creativity
storytelling
focus
Mood
analytical
motivational
Type
instructional
inspirational
When to use this quote
- novel writing
- screenwriting
- public speaking
Key Concepts
narrative tension
character arcs
dramatic structure
Questions to Reflect On
- What are the “big scenes” in your current project?
- How can you balance climax with quieter moments?
A Different Perspective
Overemphasis on big scenes may neglect subtle development.