Sentences Quote by Gordon Lish
“Don't have stories; have sentences.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: The New Yorker, 1975
Stories are too grand; focus on concise, vivid sentences instead.
In simple terms: Prefer sentences over sprawling narratives.
Key Takeaway
Write with precision.
Themes
writing
brevity
clarity
Mood
practical
instructive
Type
creative
educational
When to use this quote
- journalism
- creative writing
- editing
- copywriting
Key Concepts
literary theory
style
Questions to Reflect On
- When does a story need more than a sentence?
- How can you balance brevity with depth?
A Different Perspective
Sometimes narrative depth needs longer form.
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