Don't worry about how pretty (the story) sounds, how…
“Don't worry about how pretty (the story) sounds, how lilting it is, and the imagery, and the metaphor, all that. Most readers don't care. It's the people in your book that matter.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The focus should be on characters, not on pretty language or imagery, because readers care about people more than style.
In simple terms: Characters matter more than style.
Prioritize character development over ornate prose.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- crafting novels
- editing drafts
- writing workshops
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you balance vivid language with strong characters?
- What makes a character memorable?
Overemphasis on style can alienate readers.