--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: I knew if I evoked that stuff too easily…" description: "\"I knew if I evoked that stuff too easily or gratuitously, as a way of assuaging my fears of not being edgy or whatever, the writing would fall apart. T..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/794/george-saunders-317_book_i-knew-if-i-evoked-that-stuff-too-easily_407342.jpg" --- # I knew if I evoked that stuff too easily or gratuitously… ![“I knew if I evoked that stuff too easily or gratuitously, as a way of assuaging my fears of not being edgy or whatever, the writing would fall apart. This book [Lincoln in the Bardo] was going to have to have some earnestness in it.” quote by George Saunders](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/794/george-saunders-317_book_i-knew-if-i-evoked-that-stuff-too-easily_407342.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/794/george-saunders-317_book_i-knew-if-i-evoked-that-stuff-too-easily_407342.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/794/george-saunders-317_book_i-knew-if-i-evoked-that-stuff-too-easily_407342.jpg) > “I knew if I evoked that stuff too easily or gratuitously, as a way of assuaging my fears of not being edgy or whatever, the writing would fall apart. This book \[Lincoln in the Bardo\] was going to have to have some earnestness in it.” [George Saunders](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/george-saunders/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. The author warns that using sensational or edgy elements without genuine feeling will weaken the work; sincerity must balance daring. **In simple terms:** Edgy tricks need real honesty to work. Key Takeaway Balance boldness with authenticity. Themes authenticity creativity balance writing fear Mood reflective cautious Type advice literary When to use this quote - novel writing - creative workshops - self‑editing - authorial voice Key Concepts Narrative integrity self‑awareness artistic risk Questions to Reflect On - How do you ensure daring choices serve the story? - When does edginess become a mask? A Different Perspective Over‑reliance on shock can alienate readers. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Book](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/book/) [Books](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/books/) [Edgy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/edgy/) [Fear](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/fear/) [Writing](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/writing/) ## Related quotes > [To air one's views gratuitously, is to imply that the demand for them is brisk.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/william-strunk-jr/to-air-one-s-views-gratuitously-is-to-imply-that-the-demand-for-them/) [William Strunk, Jr](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/william-strunk-jr/) > [“To air one's views gratuitously, however, is to imply that the demand for them is brisk, which may not be the case, and which,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/strunk-jr-william/to-air-one-s-views-gratuitously-however-is-to-imply-that-the-demand/) Strunk Jr., William > [My habit would have been to veer towards the dark - to prove I was something; edgy, or maybe to prove that I was…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/george-saunders/my-habit-would-have-been-to-veer-towards-the-dark-to-prove-i-was/) [George Saunders](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/george-saunders/) > [The best remedy for dryness of spirit, is to picture ourselves as beggars in the presence of God and the Saints, and like a…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/philip-neri/the-best-remedy-for-dryness-of-spirit-is-to-picture-ourselves-as/) [Philip Neri](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/philip-neri/) > [For me, earnestness is the greatest crime an Englishman can commit.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/grayson-perry/for-me-earnestness-is-the-greatest-crime-an-englishman-can-commit/) [Grayson Perry](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/grayson-perry/) > [ \[Ridicule\] laughs at all those who see the earnestness of life and who still believe in true feelings and in serious thought ... 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We’ve never…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/paul-bowles/you-know-what-he-said-with-great-earnestness-i-think-we-re-both/) [Paul Bowles](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/paul-bowles/) ## More by George Saunders > [Success is like a mountain in front of you that keeps growing. If you're not careful, it will take up your whole life.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/george-saunders/success-is-like-a-mountain-in-front-of-you-that-keeps-growing-if-you/) [George Saunders](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/george-saunders/) > [“Wow wow wow is all I can say! Remember how I always buy lunchtime Scratch-Off ticket? Have I said? Maybe did not say? Well,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/george-saunders/wow-wow-wow-is-all-i-can-say-remember-how-i-always-buy-lunchtime/) [George Saunders](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/george-saunders/) > [“None of it was real; nothing was real. Everything was real; inconceivably real, infinitely dear. 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