Driving Quote by Donald E. Westlake
““(Novelists, when their characters drive cars, never feel compelled to describe precisely what the physical actions are of hands, feet, eyes, knees, elbows. Yet many of these same novelists, when their characters copulate, get into such detailed physical description you’d think they were writing an exercise book. We all know the interrelation between the right ankle and the accelerator when driving a car, and we needn’t be told.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Axle of the World by Donald E. Westlake, 1970
Writers often describe sexual acts in excessive detail while neglecting mundane physical actions like driving, revealing a bias toward sensationalism over everyday realism.
In simple terms: Authors over‑detail sex, under‑detail routine tasks.
Key Takeaway
Balance detail with relevance.
Themes
writing
detail
realism
bias
sexuality
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
observational
analytical
When to use this quote
- novel writing
- scene setting
- character development
Key Concepts
Narrative focus
sensationalism
mundane detail
Questions to Reflect On
- How does detail affect immersion?
- When should routine actions be described?
A Different Perspective
Over‑emphasis on sex can alienate readers seeking authenticity.
