Answers Quote by Edward Hirsch
“I was once doing a question and answer period with the novelist Jane Smiley in a bookstore and someone asked us what our processes were and Jane said hers and then I said mine and Jane said, "Well, if I had a student like that I'd force him never to write like that again because you could never write a novel in the way that you write poetry."”
About This Quote
Source Interview: The New Yorker, 2009
Jane Smiley believes poetry and novel writing require distinct skills; forcing a poet to write prose may hinder authenticity.
In simple terms: Poetry and novels need different techniques.
Key Takeaway
Respect each genre’s craft.
Themes
literature
creativity
genre distinction
Mood
analytical
thoughtful
Type
literary
inspirational
When to use this quote
- creative writing workshops
- literary criticism
- author mentorship
Key Concepts
artistic integrity
writing process
Questions to Reflect On
- Can cross‑genre experimentation enrich storytelling?
- When is it appropriate to blend poetic and narrative styles?
A Different Perspective
Some writers blend forms successfully, so rigid separation may limit innovation.
