--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: I learned to write fiction the way I…" description: "\"I learned to write fiction the way I learned to read fiction - by skipping the parts that bored me.\" — Jonathan Lethem" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/edf/jonathan-lethem-1403_books_i-learned-to-write-fiction-the-way-i-lea_1092451.png" --- # I learned to write fiction the way I learned to read… ![“I learned to write fiction the way I learned to read fiction - by skipping the parts that bored me.” quote by Jonathan Lethem](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/edf/jonathan-lethem-1403_books_i-learned-to-write-fiction-the-way-i-lea_1092451.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/edf/jonathan-lethem-1403_books_i-learned-to-write-fiction-the-way-i-lea_1092451.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/edf/jonathan-lethem-1403_books_i-learned-to-write-fiction-the-way-i-lea_1092451.png) > “I learned to write fiction the way I learned to read fiction - by skipping the parts that bored me.” [Jonathan Lethem](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jonathan-lethem/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Reading and writing fiction involve skipping unengaging parts to maintain momentum and interest. **In simple terms:** Skip boring sections to keep reading/writing engaging. Key Takeaway Focus on compelling narrative elements. Themes writing reading fiction Mood contemplative analytical Type literary instructional When to use this quote - novel drafting - editing - literary critique Key Concepts narrative flow engagement Questions to Reflect On - What parts do you usually skip and why? - How does skipping affect story depth? A Different Perspective Risk of missing subtle nuances that enrich story. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Books](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/books/) [Bored](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/bored/) [Fiction](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/fiction/) [Fiction Skipping](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/fiction-skipping-2831103/) [Parts Bored](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/parts-bored-2831105/) [Read Fiction](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/read-fiction/) [Skipping Parts](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/skipping-parts-2831104/) [Way](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/way/) [Write Fiction](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/write-fiction/) [Writing](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/writing/) ## Related quotes > [I like to read fiction best and I like to write fiction, too.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/judy-blume/i-like-to-read-fiction-best-and-i-like-to-write-fiction-too/) [Judy Blume](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/judy-blume/) > [If I had a nickel for every time someone told me apologetically "I don't read fiction," I wouldn't have to write fiction anymore. 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