Don't trust Quote by Melissa Febos
“Sometimes I see my students, especially the ones with a gift for the lyrical, reaching far outside the realm of their own experience for language and images. I understand this impulse. We think, in the beginning, that striking exotic words together will create something entirely new. That we must be worldly in our vocabulary. We idolize the styles of other writers and don't trust or perhaps yet know our own.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Art of Doing Nothing, 2020
Students often imitate exotic language, believing novelty comes from foreign words, but true voice lies in personal experience.
In simple terms: Imitating exotic words doesn’t create originality.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate authentic voice through personal experience.
Themes
writing
authenticity
learning
Mood
thoughtful
inspirational
Type
advice
philosophical
When to use this quote
- creative writing classes
- personal essays
- literary analysis
- workshops
Key Concepts
voice development
literary influence
creative confidence
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you discover your unique voice?
- What experiences can inform your writing?
A Different Perspective
Overreliance on imitation can stifle originality.
