Art Quote by George Saunders
“The artist's job, I think, is to be a conduit for mystery. To intuit it, and recognize that the story-germ has some inherent mystery in it, and sort of midwife that mystery into the story in such a way that it isn't damaged in the process, and may even get heightened or refined.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Conversation with George Saunders, 2015
The writer should act as a vessel for mystery, nurturing the story’s inherent intrigue without harming it, and possibly enhancing it.
In simple terms: Writers should nurture mystery in stories.
Key Takeaway
Treat stories as mysteries to develop.
Themes
creativity
storytelling
mystery
nurturing
refinement
Mood
thoughtful
inspirational
Type
instructional
philosophical
When to use this quote
- novel writing
- short story workshops
- script development
- creative retreats
Key Concepts
narrative craft
creative process
literary theory
Questions to Reflect On
- How can mystery be balanced with clear narrative?
- When does mystery become confusion?
A Different Perspective
Focusing too much on mystery can stall plot progress.
