Books Quote by Jeffrey Eugenides
““I tell my students that when you write, you should pretend you’re writing the best letter you ever wrote to the smartest friend you have. That way, you’ll never dumb things down. You won’t have to explain things that don’t need explaining. You’ll assume an intimacy and a natural shorthand, which is good because readers are smart and don’t wish to be condescended to. I think about the reader. I care about the reader. Not “audience.” Not “readership.” Just the reader.””
About This Quote
Source Interview: The New Yorker, “Jeffrey Eugenides on Writing,” 2022
Writing as a personal letter to a trusted friend encourages authenticity and avoids condescension, treating the reader as an individual rather than a vague audience.
In simple terms: Write as if to a close, intelligent friend.
Key Takeaway
Respect the reader’s intelligence.
Themes
writing
authenticity
communication
Mood
thoughtful
encouraging
Type
advice
inspirational
When to use this quote
- teaching
- creative writing
- personal essays
- editorial work
Key Concepts
intimacy
reader‑centered approach
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you balance intimacy with professional tone?
- What strategies keep language clear without dumbing down?
A Different Perspective
May feel overly informal for academic contexts.
