--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: The first thing you have to consider when…" description: "\"The first thing you have to consider when writing a novel is your story, and then your story - and then your story!\" — Ford Madox Ford" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/871/ford-madox-ford-3409_books_the-first-thing-you-have-to-consider-whe_1492776.png" --- # The first thing you have to consider when writing a novel… ![“The first thing you have to consider when writing a novel is your story, and then your story - and then your story!” quote by Ford Madox Ford](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/871/ford-madox-ford-3409_books_the-first-thing-you-have-to-consider-whe_1492776.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/871/ford-madox-ford-3409_books_the-first-thing-you-have-to-consider-whe_1492776.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/871/ford-madox-ford-3409_books_the-first-thing-you-have-to-consider-whe_1492776.png) > “The first thing you have to consider when writing a novel is your story, and then your story - and then your story!” [Ford Madox Ford](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ford-madox-ford/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. The core of novel writing is repeatedly refining the narrative until it dominates every creative decision. **In simple terms:** Focus obsessively on story. Key Takeaway Prioritize story above all else. Themes writing creativity focus Mood determined reflective Type instructional motivational When to use this quote - drafting - editing - plot development Key Concepts narrative structure storytelling discipline Questions to Reflect On - How can you test if your story truly drives the novel? - What methods keep story central during revisions? A Different Perspective Neglecting character or theme can weaken a story. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Books](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/books/) [Crafts](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/crafts/) [Novel](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/novel/) [Stories](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/stories/) [Writing](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/writing/) ## Related quotes > [I never plan. I never know what the next page is going to be… But that's the fun of writing a novel or a…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/haruki-murakami/i-never-plan-i-never-know-what-the-next-page-is-going-to-be-but-that/) [Haruki Murakami](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/haruki-murakami/) > [There's a difference between doing memoir and writing a novel. 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