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Book Quote by Jeffrey Eugenides

“The ideas for my books come about in two ways. There can be an intellectual idea that seems to be the reason for writing the book. [...] The other motive is unconscious. There is something deeply psychological and emotional that draws me to the material in the first place.” quote by Jeffrey Eugenides
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“The ideas for my books come about in two ways. There can be an intellectual idea that seems to be the reason for writing the book. [...] The other motive is unconscious. There is something deeply psychological and emotional that draws me to the material in the first place.”

Jeffrey Eugenides

About This Quote

Source Interview: The New Yorker, 2012

Writers draw on both conscious concepts and subconscious emotions when creating stories.

In simple terms: Both ideas and feelings inspire books.

Key Takeaway

Balance intellect and intuition in writing.

Themes

creativity psychology writing process

Mood

reflective introspective

Type

analytical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • novel planning
  • character development
  • overcoming writer's block

Key Concepts

subconscious motivation intellectual concept

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you recognize subconscious drives?
  • Can you separate idea from feeling?
A Different Perspective

Unconscious influences can be hard to articulate.

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