Approach Quote by George Saunders
“So for me the approach has become to go into a story not really sure of what I want to say, try to find some little seed crystal of interest, a sentence or an image or an idea, and as much as possible divest myself of any deep ideas about it. And then by this process of revision, mysteriously it starts to accrete meanings as you go.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: The New Yorker, “George Saunders on Writing”, 2013
The writer should enter a story without a fixed agenda, let small details emerge, and allow meaning to develop organically through revision.
In simple terms: Start with a seed idea, avoid pre‑set conclusions, let meaning grow.
Key Takeaway
Embrace uncertainty and let revision shape meaning.
Themes
creativity
process
revision
Mood
curious
reflective
Type
inspirational
philosophical
When to use this quote
- novel writing
- short story drafting
- creative brainstorming
- editing sessions
Key Concepts
emergent narrative
organic development
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you stay open to unexpected directions?
- What small detail could become a story’s core?
A Different Perspective
If you impose too many ideas early, you may limit the story’s natural evolution.