Always Quote by Jess Walter
“I teach in M.F.A. programs now, and I think that's a great way to become a novelist, but I mourn that Pete Dexter and Joan Didion's route is maybe less likely because there are fewer of those jobs. I always liken it to playing piano in some great dive jazz bar. You didn't pick the songs, you played what people asked for, but you got your chops.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Literary Magazine, 2023
Compares teaching writing to playing piano in a jazz bar, emphasizing improvisation and audience demand.
In simple terms: Teaching writing is like improvising for an audience.
Key Takeaway
Adapt to audience while honing craft.
Themes
creativity
mentorship
improvisation
Mood
thoughtful
inquisitive
Type
literary
inspirational
When to use this quote
- Writing workshops
- music performances
- creative collaborations
Key Concepts
Pedagogy
artistic expression
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you maintain authenticity?
- What does “your chops” mean to you?
A Different Perspective
Audience expectations can limit originality.
