Books Quote by Alice McDermott
““I suppose I've never set out to write a novel in which nothing happens . . . only to write a novel about the lives of certain characters. That nothing 'happens' in their lives is beside the point to me; I'm still interested in how they live, and think, and speak, and make some sense of their own experience. Incident (in novels and in life) is momentary, and temporary, but the memory of an incident, the story told about it, the meaning it takes on or loses over time, is lifelong and fluid, and that's what interests me and what I hope will prove interesting to readers. We're deluged with stories of things that have happened, events, circumstances, actions, etc. We need some stories that reveal how we think and feel and hope and dream. ””
About This Quote
Source Interview: The New Yorker, 2015
Stories should explore inner lives and memories rather than just external events, because personal meaning endures beyond fleeting incidents.
In simple terms: Focus on thoughts and feelings, not just actions.
Key Takeaway
Write about inner experience.
Themes
literature
memory
humanity
Mood
introspective
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- novel writing
- creative workshops
- therapy sessions
Key Concepts
psychology
subjectivity
Questions to Reflect On
- What inner moments shape your identity?
- How do memories alter the meaning of events?
A Different Perspective
Focusing solely on interiority may neglect necessary plot momentum.
