Computers Quote by John Gardner
““A story is like a machine with numerous gears: it should contain no gear that doesn't turn something””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Art of Fiction, John Gardner, 1983
A well‑crafted story must have every element serving a purpose, like gears that all move the machine.
In simple terms: Every part of a story should be functional.
Key Takeaway
Eliminate unnecessary details.
Themes
storytelling
craft
purpose
Mood
analytical
reflective
Type
literary
instructional
When to use this quote
- novel writing
- screenwriting
- editing
- plot development
Key Concepts
narrative structure
functionalism
Questions to Reflect On
- Which part of your story feels superfluous?
- How does each scene advance the theme?
A Different Perspective
A story can feel over‑engineered if too many elements compete for attention.
