Boards Quote by Etgar Keret
“I often give this metaphor where I say that writing short fiction is like surfing, while writing a novel is like navigating with your car. So when you navigate with your car, you want to get somewhere. When you surf, you don't want to get somewhere, you just don't want to fall off your board.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Literary Podcast, 2020
Short fiction requires playful spontaneity, like surfing, while novel writing demands purposeful direction, like driving a car.
In simple terms: Short stories are playful; novels are purposeful.
Key Takeaway
Embrace both play and direction in writing.
Themes
creativity
process
craft
Mood
reflective
inspired
Type
advice
inspirational
When to use this quote
- writing workshops
- personal projects
- creative blocks
- story planning
Key Concepts
Narrative theory
flow state
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you switch between spontaneous and goal‑oriented writing?
- What techniques keep you from “falling off” your ideas?
A Different Perspective
Balancing freedom with structure can be challenging.
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