Adaptation Quote by David Henry Hwang
“Yes, I am one of those people who feels that most of my work is adaptation of one sort or another. For me, it's a way to jump-start the engine. For example, some people use the technique of basing a character on a friend. They start writing with his or her voice, then at a certain point, the character takes off on his or her own. It probably no longer resembles the model, but it helped the author to get going. I find that's true of form, too. For every play I've written, I know what play I was trying to imitate. That helps me get going.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: The Writing Process, David Henry Hwang, 2015
Adaptation serves as a catalyst, allowing creators to begin by mimicking known voices or forms before evolving into original work.
In simple terms: Imitation jump-starts creativity.
Key Takeaway
Use imitation to overcome writer’s block.
Themes
creativity
process
imitation
originality
Mood
reflective
inspired
Type
advice
process
When to use this quote
- writing a novel
- screenwriting
- playwriting
- design brainstorming
Key Concepts
catalysis
learning
transformation
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you transition from imitation to authentic voice?
- When does imitation become a crutch?
A Different Perspective
Imitation may limit originality if over‑relied upon.
