Books Quote by George R.R. Martin
““As for 'too much description,' well, opinions differ. We write the books we want to read. And I want to read books that are richly textured and full of sensory detail, books that make me feel as if I am experiencing a story, not just reading it. Plot is only one aspect of telling a tale, and not the most important one. It is the journey that matters, not how fast you arrrive at the destination. That's my view, anyway. Others writers differ, of course. There are hundreds of books where everything is subordinate to advancing the plot, some of them quite fine, but my work has never been about that, and never will be.””
About This Quote
Source Interview: The Writer's Journey, 2015
The quote argues that sensory richness and narrative experience outweigh plot speed, emphasizing journey over destination in storytelling.
In simple terms: Sensory detail matters more than plot speed.
Key Takeaway
Focus on immersive storytelling.
Themes
writing
storytelling
sensory detail
journey
plot
Mood
reflective
passionate
Type
advice
philosophical
literary
When to use this quote
- novel writing
- creative workshops
- editing
- reader engagement
- teaching writing
Key Concepts
Narrative immersion
experience design
literary aesthetics
Questions to Reflect On
- How does sensory detail enhance reader connection?
- When should plot take precedence?
A Different Perspective
Some readers prioritize tight plots and may find excessive description slow.
