Able Quote by Dani Shapiro
“Our minds simply don't function in some sort of narrative chronology. I think that one of the great gifts of writing fiction is being able to think about that.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: The Writer's Journey, 2015
Our brains don't naturally order events chronologically; fiction lets us explore non‑linear thinking.
In simple terms: Our minds lack narrative order; fiction helps.
Key Takeaway
Use storytelling to reframe thoughts.
Themes
creativity
fiction
cognition
Mood
reflective
inquisitive
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- writing workshops
- therapy sessions
- education
- brainstorming
Key Concepts
narrative structure
temporal perception
Questions to Reflect On
- How does non‑linear narrative change perception?
- Can fiction improve problem solving?
A Different Perspective
May oversimplify complex timelines.
![“Of course the chronology of the books is a bit back- to - front, and books usually come out before movies. But happily, these [Bridget Jones's] are fictional comedy diaries - not a history of the Battle of Waterloo.” quote by Helen Fielding](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/b8f/helen-fielding-2564_battle_of-course-the-chronology-of-the-books-is_204283.jpg)
![“On the whole I try to keep Modesty and Willie in timeless settings, which is why I avoid all the latest slang and in-words. It won't be long before 'brill' sounds as dated as 'super' does now. [Uncle Happy, 1990]” quote by Peter O'Donnell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/373/peter-o-donnell-110405_chronology_on-the-whole-i-try-to-keep-modesty-and-w_197742.jpg)
