Books Quote by Edward Rutherfurd
“For novelists, the imagination is everything. The trick is to guide one's imagination using research. I love using old maps. When I wrote my novels on London and New York, I found wonderful historical atlases. Paris has the most lavish maps of all.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Author interview, The Source, 2012
Writers must blend creative imagination with factual research to build vivid, believable worlds.
In simple terms: Combine imagination with research for richer stories.
Key Takeaway
Research fuels imagination.
Themes
creativity
research
worldbuilding
Mood
inspired
thoughtful
Type
literary
instructional
When to use this quote
- novel writing
- historical fiction
- setting development
- map usage
Key Concepts
historical accuracy
imaginative synthesis
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance factual detail with narrative flow?
- What research methods spark your imagination?
A Different Perspective
Research can limit spontaneity if over‑relied upon.
