Book Quote by John Irving
“I sometimes think that what I do as a writer is make a kind of colouring book, where all the lines are there, and then you put in the colour.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: The New York Times, 1995
Writing provides a framework that the author fills with personal expression.
In simple terms: Writing is a coloring book.
Key Takeaway
Use structure to guide creative freedom.
Themes
creativity
writing
expression
Mood
thoughtful
inspirational
Type
literary
creative
When to use this quote
- novel drafting
- screenwriting
- personal journaling
- teaching writing
Key Concepts
narrative
artistic freedom
authorial voice
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you feel constrained by outlines?
- How does structure aid imagination?
A Different Perspective
Structure may limit spontaneity.
![“JUST BECAUSE A BUNCH OF ATHEISTS ARE BETTER WRITERS THAN THE GUYS WHO WROTE THE BIBLE DOESN'T NECESSARILY MAKE THEM RIGHT!" [Owen Meany] said crossly. "LOOK AT THOSE WEIRDO TV MIRACLE-WORKERS--THEY'RE TRYING TO GET PEOPLE TO BELIEVE IN MAGIC! BUT THE REAL MIRACLES AREN'T ANYTHING YOU CAN…” quote by John Irving](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/70e/john-irving-337_atheists_just-because-a-bunch-of-atheists-are-bet_31804.jpg)
