Book Quote by Ayana Mathis
“I started writing the book without realizing I was writing a book. That sounds stupid, but it's true. I'd been trying and failing to make a different manuscript work, and I thought I was just taking a break by writing some short stories. I'm not a very good short story writer - the amazing compression that is required for short stories doesn't come easily to me. But anyway, I thought I'd try to write some short stories. And a structure took shape - I stumbled upon it.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: The New Yorker, 2023
The author unintentionally began a book while thinking she was just writing short stories, revealing how creative projects can evolve unexpectedly.
In simple terms: She started a book by accident while writing short stories.
Key Takeaway
Embrace unexpected directions in creative work.
Themes
creativity
process
unexpected outcomes
Mood
reflective
inspired
Type
personal
process
When to use this quote
- author interviews
- creative workshops
- personal journals
- writing retreats
Key Concepts
self‑discovery
narrative development
writing practice
Questions to Reflect On
- What unexpected project have you discovered in your work?
- How can you harness accidental insights?
A Different Perspective
The anecdote may downplay the discipline needed for sustained writing.
![“This was my first novel [The Dissemblers ]. I've never seriously written short stories, and actually find short stories much more intimidating as an art form than novels.” quote by Liza Campbell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/997/liza-campbell-17930_art_this-was-my-first-novel-the-dissemblers_3041258.jpg)
