About Quote by John Irving
“One of the humbling things about having written more than one novel is the sense that every time you begin, that new empty page does not know who you are.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Discussing Writing Process, John Irving, 2015
Writing a novel begins with a blank page that holds no expectations, reminding the author that each story starts anew, independent of past identity.
In simple terms: Every new story starts with a clean slate.
Key Takeaway
Approach each project without preconceptions.
Themes
creativity
writing
identity
Mood
inspirational
reflective
Type
literary
motivational
When to use this quote
- starting a new book
- creative brainstorming
- overcoming writer’s block
Key Concepts
blank page
authorial humility
novel creation
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you confront the emptiness of a new project?
- What rituals help you begin writing?
A Different Perspective
The blank page can be intimidating, causing procrastination.
![“From the beginning [of the Lincoln in the Bardo], I actually had it in mind not to write a novel. I'd kind of gotten past that point where I felt bad for never having written a novel, even to where I felt really good about it, like I was a real purist.” quote by George Saunders](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/843/george-saunders-317_books_from-the-beginning-of-the-lincoln-in-the_3136511.jpg)
![“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)
