Writers Quote by Cass R. Sunstein
““As the lives of their characters develop, they end up on paths that writers could not possibly have foreseen—and hence give the impression of agency, even to their authors. William Blake wrote of his works “tho I call them Mine I know they are not Mine,” and characterized his process of writing as a kind of dictation, “without Premeditation or even against my Will.” Musicians sometimes speak in exactly the same way.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Paradox of Choice, William Blake, 2004
Writers often feel their characters act independently, suggesting agency beyond the author’s control, similar to dictation in music.
In simple terms: Characters can seem to have their own will, beyond the author’s planning.
Key Takeaway
Accept that stories can evolve unpredictably.
Themes
creativity
agency
authorial control
artistic process
Mood
reflective
inquisitive
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- novel writing
- screenwriting
- songwriting
- improvisational theater
Key Concepts
dictation
emergent narrative
collaborative creation
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance planning with spontaneity in creation?
- Can you embrace unexpected directions in your work?
A Different Perspective
Authors may still influence outcomes through editing and revision.
![“(about William Blake) [Blake] said most of us mix up God and Satan. He said that what most people think is God is merely prudence, and the restrainer and inhibitor of energy, which results in fear and passivity and "imaginative death." And what we so often call "reason" and think is so fine, is…” quote by Brenda Ueland](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/21d/brenda-ueland-3836_caution_about-william-blake-blake-said-most-of-u_3185108.jpg)
