--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Novels do take charge of the writer, and…" description: "\"Novels do take charge of the writer, and the writer is basically a kind of sheepdog just trying to keep things on track.\" — John Gregory Dunne" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/eaa/john-gregory-dunne-35282_books_novels-do-take-charge-of-the-writer-and_145741.jpg" --- # Novels do take charge of the writer, and the writer is… ![“Novels do take charge of the writer, and the writer is basically a kind of sheepdog just trying to keep things on track.” quote by John Gregory Dunne](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/eaa/john-gregory-dunne-35282_books_novels-do-take-charge-of-the-writer-and_145741.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/eaa/john-gregory-dunne-35282_books_novels-do-take-charge-of-the-writer-and_145741.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/eaa/john-gregory-dunne-35282_books_novels-do-take-charge-of-the-writer-and_145741.jpg) > “Novels do take charge of the writer, and the writer is basically a kind of sheepdog just trying to keep things on track.” [John Gregory Dunne](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-gregory-dunne/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Writers become like shepherds, guiding stories while being guided by the narrative itself. **In simple terms:** Writers are both leaders and followers of their stories. Key Takeaway Respect the story’s direction. Themes writing creativity control guidance Mood thoughtful inspired Type literary creative When to use this quote - novel writing - screenwriting - editing - story development Key Concepts narrative flow authorial intent Questions to Reflect On - How do you balance control and spontaneity? - When does the story dictate your choices? A Different Perspective Creative tension can limit freedom. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Books](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/books/) [Novel](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/novel/) [Novels](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/novels/) [Sheepdogs](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/sheepdogs/) [Writer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/writer/) [Writing](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/writing/) ## Related quotes > [I had grown up as a feature writer, and basically my career had been in The National Lampoon and as a magazine editor, and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/p-j-o-rourke/i-had-grown-up-as-a-feature-writer-and-basically-my-career-had-been/) [P. J. 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