Credible Quote by John le Carre
“Every writer knows he is spurious; every fiction writer would rather be credible than authentic.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Spy Who Came in from the Cold, 1963
Fiction writers prioritize believability over true authenticity, sacrificing originality for credibility.
In simple terms: Writers choose credibility over authenticity.
Balance truth with narrative appeal.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- creative writing
- editing
- publishing
- literary criticism
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What makes a story feel authentic?
- When is credibility more important than originality?
Emphasizing credibility may dilute unique perspectives.