Book Quote by Jonathan Franzen
“I'd be surprised if non-fiction writers hate to be interviewed. We all hate them, because there's really nothing to say except "Read the book." Right? At least with non-fiction, you can kind of convey some information, and people can decide for themselves whether they want more of that kind of information. But with a novel, what am I going to do?”
About This Quote
Source Interview: The Paris Review, “On Writing Non‑Fiction”, 2018
Non‑fiction writers often avoid interviews because they offer little beyond directing readers to the book, whereas novels require more creative engagement.
In simple terms: Interviews add little for non‑fiction authors.
Key Takeaway
Seek alternative ways to engage readers.
Themes
writing
media
author‑reader relationship
genre
Mood
pragmatic
inquisitive
Type
promotional
reflective
When to use this quote
- book tours
- social media campaigns
- podcast appearances
- author blogs
Key Concepts
interview dynamics
reader expectations
content promotion
Questions to Reflect On
- How can non‑fiction authors make interviews useful?
- What formats best showcase a novel’s depth?
A Different Perspective
Interviews can still provide valuable exposure if structured well.
