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Book Quote by Kenneth Goldsmith

“I never wanted my books to be mistaken for poetry or fiction books; I wanted to write reference books. But instead of referring to something, they refer to nothing.” quote by Kenneth Goldsmith
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“I never wanted my books to be mistaken for poetry or fiction books; I wanted to write reference books. But instead of referring to something, they refer to nothing.”

Kenneth Goldsmith

About This Quote

Source Book: Uncreative Writing, 2014

Attempting to control genre can backfire; the work may lose purpose.

In simple terms: Genre control can fail.

Key Takeaway

Accept fluidity of form.

Themes

genre control purpose

Mood

critical introspective

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • publishing
  • academic writing
  • experimental art

Key Concepts

literary theory creative freedom

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you define your work?
  • Can genre be a tool, not a cage?
A Different Perspective

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