Books Quote by Benjamin Alire Saenz
“It's a complex thing when you're writing a novel, because so much of it is conscious and planned and deliberate, and so much of it is not, and it has to be a dance between the conscious and the unconscious. I bring my best instincts to my work. For instance - and I come by this naturally, or I think I do - I am a very good judge of character.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: The Author's Process, 2020
Writing a novel requires balancing deliberate planning with subconscious intuition, letting instinct guide character judgment.
In simple terms: Balance planning with intuition in writing.
Key Takeaway
Trust instinct while structuring.
Themes
creativity
intuition
craft
balance
Mood
reflective
inspired
Type
advice
process
When to use this quote
- novel drafting
- character development
- editing
- brainstorming
Key Concepts
Narrative theory
psychology of creativity
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you know when to follow instinct?
- What methods help integrate subconscious ideas?
A Different Perspective
Overreliance on instinct may overlook structural issues.
