Books Quote by John Irving
“When writing a novel, I'm not smart enough to know how to foreshadow something if I don't know what it is.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Writing process discussion, 2015
Admits lack of foresight hampers foreshadowing without knowing future plot points
In simple terms: Cannot foreshadow unknown events without foresight
Key Takeaway
Embrace flexibility and revise as story evolves
Themes
writing
creativity
planning
Mood
creative
reflective
Type
advice
literary
When to use this quote
- novel drafting
- workshop feedback
- editing stage
Key Concepts
Narrative structure
plot development
authorial uncertainty
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you plan for unknown twists?
- What techniques help embed subtle hints later?
A Different Perspective
May lead to less cohesive storytelling if not managed
![“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)
