Anything Quote by Chris Abani
“I think a book that is over 400 pages should be split in two. I don't know that there's anything that interesting that can go on for 700 pages. I think that is a little bit indulgent.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: The Art of the Long Novel, 2018
The speaker argues that excessively long books can become indulgent, suggesting they might be better split to maintain interest.
In simple terms: Very long books risk becoming self‑indulgent.
Key Takeaway
Consider splitting overly long works.
Themes
literary form
editing
readership
Mood
analytical
practical
Type
literary
editorial
When to use this quote
- novel writing
- editing
- publishing decisions
Key Concepts
narrative pacing
publishing economics
Questions to Reflect On
- How does length affect reader engagement?
- When is a split justified?
A Different Perspective
Splitting may disrupt authorial vision.
![“My original book [Straight to the Heart: Political Cantos] was 1,700 pages. The first editor brought it down to 700; there was a lot that didn't make it in. But at last it's finished. I had a hard time signing off on it. And I was worried about it hurting anyone I loved even indirectly. I sat in…” quote by Angela Alioto](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/1f2/angela-alioto-29373_being-judged_my-original-book-straight-to-the-heart-p_929484.jpg)
