Business Quote by Gore Vidal
“The most interesting thing about writing is the way that it obliterates time. Three hours seem like three minutes. Then there is the business of surprise. I never know what is coming next. The phrase that sounds in the head changes when it appears on the page. Then I start probing it with a pen, finding new meanings. Sometimes I burst out laughing at what is happening as I twist and turn sentences. Strange business, all in all. One never gets to the end of it. That’s why I go on, I suppose. To see what the next sentences I write will be.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: The Art of Writing, 1990
Writing collapses time, making hours feel like minutes, and constantly surprises the writer with new meanings.
In simple terms: Writing bends time and surprises.
Key Takeaway
Embrace the unexpected in writing.
Themes
creativity
time
surprise
Mood
introspective
playful
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- writing workshops
- personal journaling
- author retreats
Key Concepts
literary theory
psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- How does surprise shape your creative process?
- What techniques keep you engaged?
A Different Perspective
May lead to writer’s block if not managed.
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