Books Quote by Howard Gordon
“In some ways, a novel isn't as structurally rigorous as a screenplay or a TV show, which have finite real estate. In a novel, you can more deeply illuminate a character's interior and get away with digressions.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: The Hollywood Reporter, 2020
Novels allow deeper internal exploration than screenplays, which are limited by time and format, so they can tolerate digressions.
In simple terms: Books can dive into thoughts; movies must stay concise.
Key Takeaway
Use the format that best fits your story’s depth.
Themes
storytelling
structure
medium
creative writing
Mood
analytical
thoughtful
Type
creative
educational
When to use this quote
- writing workshops
- script development
- novel planning
- film adaptation
Key Concepts
narrative depth
character interiority
Questions to Reflect On
- When should you choose a novel over a screenplay?
- How can a screenplay incorporate interiority?
A Different Perspective
Screenplays may reach broader audiences faster.
