---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: I think most fiction writers naturally…"
description: "\"I think most fiction writers naturally start by writing short stories, but some of us don't. When I first started writing, I just started writing a nov..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/3e6/andrea-barrett-19011_fiction-writers_i-think-most-fiction-writers-naturally-s_1972930.jpg"
---

#  I think most fiction writers naturally start by writing…

![“I think most fiction writers naturally start by writing short stories, but some of us don't. When I first started writing, I just started writing a novel. It's a hard way to learn to write. I don't recommend it to my students, but it just happens that way for some of us.” quote by Andrea Barrett](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/3e6/andrea-barrett-19011_fiction-writers_i-think-most-fiction-writers-naturally-s_1972930.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/3e6/andrea-barrett-19011_fiction-writers_i-think-most-fiction-writers-naturally-s_1972930.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/3e6/andrea-barrett-19011_fiction-writers_i-think-most-fiction-writers-naturally-s_1972930.jpg)

> “I think most fiction writers naturally start by writing short stories, but some of us don't. When I first started writing, I just started writing a novel. It's a hard way to learn to write. I don't recommend it to my students, but it just happens that way for some of us.”

[Andrea Barrett](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/andrea-barrett/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Starting with a novel is a steep learning curve; short stories are a gentler entry for most writers.

**In simple terms:** Novels are hard for beginners.

Key Takeaway

Begin with short stories before tackling a novel.

Themes

writing learning craft

Mood

reflective encouraging

Type

advice instructional

When to use this quote

- creative writing classes
- self‑study
- workshop feedback
- personal practice

Key Concepts

creative process skill development

Questions to Reflect On

- Do you prefer short stories or novels for learning?
- How can you structure a novel project to reduce overwhelm?

A Different Perspective

Novels can overwhelm beginners, leading to frustration.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★   No ratings yet

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