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Credible Quote by John le Carre

“Every writer knows he is spurious; every fiction writer would rather be credible than authentic.” quote by John le Carre
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“Every writer knows he is spurious; every fiction writer would rather be credible than authentic.”

John le Carre

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.

Key Takeaway

Balance truth with narrative appeal.

Themes

literature authenticity credibility

Mood

reflective thoughtful

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • creative writing
  • editing
  • publishing
  • literary criticism

Key Concepts

narrative truth authorial voice

Questions to Reflect On

  • What makes a story feel authentic?
  • When is credibility more important than originality?
A Different Perspective

Emphasizing credibility may dilute unique perspectives.

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