Books Quote by Margaret Atwood
“Sometimes reactions can be quite surprising: readers like things that you, the author, feel you've barely gotten away with; or they dislike one of the parts you secretly think is one of your little gems.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: The Handmaid’s Tale author on writing, 2020
Readers often love the risky, imperfect parts of a work while rejecting the polished sections the author values.
In simple terms: Readers favor the daring, reject the polished.
Key Takeaway
Embrace and balance risk and polish.
Themes
writing
audience perception
authorial intent
Mood
reflective
analytical
Type
literary
advice
When to use this quote
- novel drafting
- editing
- marketing
- reader feedback
Key Concepts
risk
authenticity
expectation management
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you decide which flaws to keep?
- What drives reader preference for imperfection?
A Different Perspective
Risky content may alienate some audiences.
