Books Quote by A.M. Homes
““I think you can write about what you know for about an hour and a half. Then you have to start bullshitting. So I say, lie to me and lie to me well. The only way to write well is to write accurately. Accuracy is not about the reader, it’s about the subject and the character.””
About This Quote
Source Interview: The New Yorker, 2015
Writing well requires factual accuracy about characters, not just pleasing the reader; deception must be skillful and purposeful.
In simple terms: Write truthfully about your subject; deception is a tool, not a shortcut.
Key Takeaway
Prioritize accuracy over flashy prose.
Themes
writing
truth
character
deception
Mood
reflective
serious
Type
advice
philosophical
When to use this quote
- novel drafting
- character development
- creative workshops
Key Concepts
literary craft
authenticity
narrative ethics
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance factual detail with narrative flair?
- When is lying in service of art justified?
A Different Perspective
Overemphasis on accuracy can stifle imagination.
