Book Quote by Elizabeth Wurtzel
“I'd really like to write a book about Timothy McVeigh, but it would only work if he cooperated.”
About This Quote
The speaker wishes to write a book about a notorious figure but acknowledges that without his cooperation the project would fail.
In simple terms: Writing about a criminal needs the subject’s help.
Key Takeaway
Seek subjects who can contribute.
Themes
writing
ethics
crime
collaboration
Mood
reflective
concerned
Type
analytical
ethical
When to use this quote
- research
- publishing
- interviews
- legal constraints
- ethical review
Key Concepts
authorial intent
subject access
moral responsibility
Questions to Reflect On
- Can you write a compelling narrative without the subject’s input?
- What ethical lines are crossed in portraying criminals?
A Different Perspective
The subject may never cooperate, making the book impossible.
![“Geoffrey [Howe] and I were mates, and he disagreed with [ Margaret Thatcher] position. So, we cooperated surreptitiously.” quote by Bob Hawke](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/017/bob-hawke-7891_mates_geoffrey-howe-and-i-were-mates-and-he-di_3093374.jpg)
