---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: I think the novel form chose me. I was a…"
description: "\"I think the novel form chose me. I was a writer before I became a criminal... my first instinct was to write.\" — Gregory David Roberts"
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/9c1/gregory-david-roberts-1039_books_i-think-the-novel-form-chose-me-i-was-a_17841.png"
---

#  I think the novel form chose me. I was a writer before I…

![“I think the novel form chose me. I was a writer before I became a criminal... my first instinct was to write.” quote by Gregory David Roberts](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/9c1/gregory-david-roberts-1039_books_i-think-the-novel-form-chose-me-i-was-a_17841.png)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/9c1/gregory-david-roberts-1039_books_i-think-the-novel-form-chose-me-i-was-a_17841.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/9c1/gregory-david-roberts-1039_books_i-think-the-novel-form-chose-me-i-was-a_17841.png)

> “I think the novel form chose me. I was a writer before I became a criminal... my first instinct was to write.”

[Gregory David Roberts](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gregory-david-roberts/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The speaker sees writing as an innate drive that preceded his criminal life, suggesting that storytelling is a fundamental part of his identity.

**In simple terms:** Writing is a core instinct.

Key Takeaway

Creative impulse can dominate life choices.

Themes

identity creative impulse redemption self‑discovery narrative destiny

Mood

reflective determined

Type

personal anecdote confessional

When to use this quote

- prison memoir writing
- rehabilitation through art
- career shift after incarceration
- self‑reflection in adversity

Key Concepts

writing as vocation crime and art personal transformation

Practical Applications

- authorial memoir
- therapeutic writing workshops

Questions to Reflect On

- How does a creative drive reshape one's path?
- Can art become a catalyst for personal redemption?

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[Books](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/books/) [Chose Writer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/chose-writer-387659/) [Criminal Instinct](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/criminal-instinct-387661/) [I think](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/i-think/) [Instinct](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/instinct/) [Instinct Write](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/instinct-write-387660/) [Novel](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/novel/) [Novel Form](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/novel-form-288354/) [Think](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/think/) [Writer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/writer/) [Writer Criminal](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/writer-criminal-387658/) [Writing](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/writing/)

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