Common Quote by John Irving
“Know the story before you fall in love with your first sentence. If you don’t know the story before you begin the story, what kind of a storyteller are you? Just an ordinary kind, just a mediocre kind – making it up as you go along, like a common liar.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: The New Yorker, John Irving, 2012
Understanding the full narrative before committing to a story ensures depth and honesty.
In simple terms: Know the whole story first.
Key Takeaway
Read or research before writing.
Themes
storytelling
integrity
preparation
Mood
thoughtful
instructive
Type
educational
philosophical
When to use this quote
- novel writing
- screenwriting
- teaching
Key Concepts
literature
narrative theory
Questions to Reflect On
- What does a story lack without context?
- How can you balance research and spontaneity?
A Different Perspective
Time constraints may limit research.
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