Great work Quote by Elliott Colla
“I wrote Baghdad Central right after translating a great work by Ibrahim al-Koni, who is sort of a master of Arab fiction. In conversations with him I realized that translations have been my MFA program. If I have learned how to write fiction it's by working with great writers and getting them to explain their craft to me so that I can do it in English. That's how I've figured it out.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: The Paris Review, 2020
Learning to write is a collaborative process; studying great writers and their techniques is essential.
In simple terms: Writing is learned through studying masters.
Key Takeaway
Study masters to improve writing.
Themes
learning
collaboration
craft
Mood
inquisitive
motivational
Type
educational
inspirational
When to use this quote
- writing workshops
- creative writing programs
- self‑study
Key Concepts
literary theory
mentor‑mentee dynamics
Questions to Reflect On
- Who are your literary mentors?
- How can you adapt their methods to your own style?
A Different Perspective
Reliance on mentors may limit personal voice if not balanced.
![“Difference makers not only stay engaged until a difference is made, but follow the results of their work…. They insist on knowing what worked and why, ….[they] follow up, gather insights, gain sensitivity and understanding, and make connections between changes in the mix and differences that were…” quote by David Sturt](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/f7d/david-sturt-15985_deliver-the-differen_difference-makers-not-only-stay-engaged_5703.jpg)
