Books Quote by Dean Bakopoulos
““In my classes, we read great fiction obsessively, and then attempt to see how a writer managed to affect us. We try to understand which elements—diction, syntax, point of view and so forth—made us feel that way. After we spend several weeks reading this way, wondering how the author made us shiver like that, we try our own hand. I ask students to begin with ‘green lines,’ to isolate writing so good it makes one writer envious of another. Which parts do they wish they had written themselves? Students start to understand how their own writing works, where it ripples with energy… What they really want is to have some kind of firsthand, visceral relationship with a book—to see what it’s like to take a work apart and put it back together—using great stories as structural models, just the way the kids I grew up with in Detroit fell in love with cars by spending weekends trying to make derelict Ford Mustangs run again. When the engine finally starts, when you figure out how to make it fire, it’s an incredibly powerful learning experience.””
About This Quote
Source Lecture: Creative Writing Class, Detroit University, 2015
Students dissect literature to uncover techniques, then apply them, mirroring how mechanics restore classic cars, fostering deep, hands‑on learning.
In simple terms: Learn by taking apart and rebuilding stories like fixing a car.
Key Takeaway
Use literature as a blueprint for your own writing.
Themes
writing
analysis
craft
learning
creativity
Mood
engaged
inspired
curious
Type
educational
inspirational
When to use this quote
- writing workshops
- literature courses
- creative labs
- self‑directed study
Key Concepts
literary analysis
modeling
hands‑on practice
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you balance learning from models with developing your unique style?
- What elements of a story most inspire you to write?
A Different Perspective
Students may focus on imitation rather than original voice.
