Authors Quote by John Gardner
““The instruction here is not for every kind of writer - not for the writer of nurse books or thrillers or porno or the cheaper sort of sci-fi - though it is true that what holds for the most serious kind of fiction will generally hold for junk fiction as well. (Not everyone is capable of writing junk fiction: It requires an authentic junk mind. Most creative-writing teachers have had the experience of occasionally helping to produce, by accident, a pornographer. The most elegant techniques in the world, filtered through a junk mind, become elegant junk techniques.)””
About This Quote
The passage argues that writing low-quality or genre fiction demands a distinct mindset, and that conventional literary techniques become distorted when applied by such a mindset.
In simple terms: Genre writing requires a unique mental approach.
Key Takeaway
Skillful writing depends on the writer's mindset.
Themes
genre theory
creative mindset
literary technique
quality perception
authorial intent
Mood
ironic
critical
reflective
Type
observation
analysis
commentary
When to use this quote
- teaching creative writing
- editing genre manuscripts
- author self-assessment
- literary criticism
Key Concepts
mindset
genre conventions
technique adaptation
Practical Applications
- designing genre-specific curricula
- advising writers on genre expectations
Questions to Reflect On
- How does a writer's mindset influence their work?
- Can mastery of technique compensate for genre biases?
A Different Perspective
Some may argue that good technique can elevate any genre, regardless of mindset.
