Always trying Quote by John Edgar Wideman
“I really love James Joyce, Dubliners and other work. And I was interested in the way the dash was used in English topography - in his work particularly - and I realized there was no compulsion to use those ugly dot-dot curlicues all over the place to designate dialogue. I began to look around, and found writers who could make transitions quite clear by the language itself. I'm a bit of a maverick now. I'm always trying to push the medium.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Personal reflections on literary style, 2020
The author admires Joyce’s use of dashes and seeks clearer dialogue punctuation, embracing unconventional methods to advance writing.
In simple terms: Loves Joyce, rejects cluttered dialogue marks, pushes literary form.
Key Takeaway
Adopt clearer punctuation, experiment with form.
Themes
literary innovation
punctuation
style
experiment
maverick
Mood
curious
reflective
Type
analytical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- editing workshops
- creative writing classes
- self‑editing
- publishing
- teaching writing
Key Concepts
modernism
typography
authorial voice
Questions to Reflect On
- How can punctuation improve narrative flow?
- What conventions can be rethought without losing clarity?
A Different Perspective
Risk of alienating traditional readers if changes seem too radical.
![“Innovation is not a big breakthrough invention every time. Innovation is a constant thing. But if you don't have an innovative company [team], coming to work everyday to find a better way, you don't have a company[team]. You're getting ready to die on the vine. You're always looking for the next…” quote by Jack Welch](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/9ed/jack-welch-1195_always-trying_innovation-is-not-a-big-breakthrough-inv_111877.jpg)
