Books Quote by Joel Blaine Kirkpatrick
““The author should strive to be silent in his novel.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: Writing Craft, 2018
Authors should let their stories speak, minimizing overt authorial intrusion.
In simple terms: Authors should be silent in their novels.
Key Takeaway
Let narrative, on its own.
Themes
writing
silence
authorial voice
Mood
analytical
thoughtful
Type
literary theory
creative writing
When to use this quote
- novel writing
- creative workshops
- literary criticism
- storytelling
Key Concepts
literary minimalism
narrative authority
Questions to Reflect On
- When does authorial presence enhance a story?
- How can silence shape reader interpretation?
A Different Perspective
Some narratives benefit from author commentary.
![“...[Strive to be]... silent and cheerful. Grown men always tell you that this is the way of excellence, but they neglect to tell you that it is easier to be silent and dignified and cheerful when you are forty and have won ten battles. It's like getting women - much easier when you are too old to…” quote by Christian Cameron](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/438/christian-cameron-37526_killer-of-men_strive-to-be-silent-and-cheerful-grown-m_1237954.jpg)
