Bones Quote by Kate Braverman
“writing is about doing something very close to the bone. It's about shocking yourself. When I write, I like to make myself cry, laugh - I like to give myself an experience. I see a lot of writing out there that's very safe. But if you're not scaring yourself, why would you think that you'd be scaring anybody else? If you're not coming to a revelation about your place in the universe, why would you think anyone else would?”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Art of Writing, Kate Braverman, 1998
Writing should be raw, emotionally honest, and unsettling to provoke personal revelation and impact readers.
In simple terms: Write honestly and shock yourself to create powerful work.
Key Takeaway
Write boldly, embrace discomfort.
Themes
authenticity
emotional depth
risk-taking
Mood
intense
provocative
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- fiction
- personal journals
- workshops
- therapy sessions
Key Concepts
creative writing
self‑expression
emotional honesty
Questions to Reflect On
- What truth do you fear writing about?
- How can you balance honesty with accessibility?
A Different Perspective
Risk of alienating audiences if too obscure.
