Attitude Quote by Donald E. Westlake
“In the most basic way, writers are defined not by the stories they tell, or their politics, or their gender, or their race, but by the words they use. Writing begins with language, and it is in that initial choosing, as one sifts through the wayward lushness of our wonderful mongrel English, that choice of vocabulary and grammar and tone, the selection on the palette, that determines who's sitting at that desk. Language creates the writer's attitude toward the particular story he's decided to tell.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Writer's Craft, 1995
A writer's identity is shaped by word choice, language, and tone more than story content or personal attributes
In simple terms: Language choices define a writer more than plot or identity
Key Takeaway
Choose precise language to convey intended attitude
Themes
writing
language
identity
Mood
reflective
analytical
thoughtful
Type
literary
educational
When to use this quote
- drafting essays
- editing fiction
- teaching creative writing
- developing style guides
- peer review sessions
Key Concepts
vocabulary selection
grammatical style
authorial voice
Questions to Reflect On
- How does your word choice affect reader perception?
- In what ways can you refine tone without altering plot?
A Different Perspective
Overemphasis on language may overlook narrative structure importance
