Epic Quote by Colum McCann
“I think it is our job, as writers, to be epic. Epic and tiny at the same time. If you're going to be a fiction writer, why not take on something that means something. In doing this, you must understand that within that epic structure it is the tiny story that is possibly more important.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: The Guardian, “Colum McCann on Writing Epic Stories”, 2015
Writers should aim for grand narratives while honoring the small, detailed moments that give them depth and meaning.
In simple terms: Balance big ideas with tiny details.
Key Takeaway
Focus on both scope and nuance.
Themes
writing
storytelling
balance
meaning
detail
Mood
reflective
inspired
thoughtful
Type
advice
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- Novel writing
- short story crafting
- screenplay development
- creative workshops
- editing sessions
Key Concepts
Narrative structure
micro‑moments
thematic depth
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you decide which tiny moments carry the weight of the epic?
- What techniques help weave small details into a larger narrative?
A Different Perspective
Large scale themes can overwhelm if not grounded in specific, relatable scenes.
