Conception Quote by George Saunders
“My theory for nonfiction is that nobody can be free of some kind of conceptions about whatever story they're writing. But if you can find a way to build those into the story, then the story becomes a process of deconstructing and heightening and sometimes changing those notions and that makes dramatic tension. The initial statement of your position, and then letting reality act on you to change it, is pretty good storytelling.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: The New Yorker, 2015
A story works best when it acknowledges the writer’s preconceptions and uses them to create tension by challenging and evolving those ideas throughout the narrative.
In simple terms: Use your own assumptions as a storytelling tool.
Key Takeaway
Turn assumptions into conflict and growth.
Themes
storytelling
conflict
self‑awareness
Mood
reflective
analytical
Type
educational
inspirational
When to use this quote
- creative writing workshops
- novel drafting
- screenwriting
- personal essays
Key Concepts
narrative theory
dramatic tension
conceptual deconstruction
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you reveal your assumptions without alienating readers?
- What moments in your story can let reality reshape your protagonist’s beliefs?
A Different Perspective
If the writer’s biases are too hidden, the tension may feel forced.
![“Take sex, for instance.' 'What do you want me to do with it?' 'Try to be serious for a moment. Take the sex life of our father.' [...] Even after a couple of brandies he felt extremely reluctant to discuss sex and his father. 'It's something I'd rather not think about,' he said. 'We all come into…” quote by John Mortimer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/280/john-mortimer-7362_immaculate-conceptio_take-sex-for-instance-what-do-you-want-m_4946.jpg)
