--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: There are certain writers I can't read…" description: "\"There are certain writers I can't read when I'm trying to write because their voices are so distinct. Cormac McCarthy, he's the most different writer f..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/6ef/molly-antopol-20696_different_there-are-certain-writers-i-can-t-read-w_3082724.jpg" --- # There are certain writers I can't read when I'm trying to… ![“There are certain writers I can't read when I'm trying to write because their voices are so distinct. Cormac McCarthy, he's the most different writer from anything I've ever written, but there's something about those really spare sentences that is just tough - it would be too much of an influence…” quote by Molly Antopol](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/6ef/molly-antopol-20696_different_there-are-certain-writers-i-can-t-read-w_3082724.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/6ef/molly-antopol-20696_different_there-are-certain-writers-i-can-t-read-w_3082724.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/6ef/molly-antopol-20696_different_there-are-certain-writers-i-can-t-read-w_3082724.jpg) > “There are certain writers I can't read when I'm trying to write because their voices are so distinct. Cormac McCarthy, he's the most different writer from anything I've ever written, but there's something about those really spare sentences that is just tough - it would be too much of an influence. Grace Paley is my favorite writer. Her stuff is so voice-driven, when I read her a lot I want to make my writing more voice-y and dialogue-heavy. I love a lot of stuff in translation.” [Molly Antopol](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/molly-antopol/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. The author avoids reading writers with distinctive voices while writing, fearing their influence, yet admires voice‑driven styles and translation work. **In simple terms:** She steers clear of strong stylistic influences but appreciates unique voices. Key Takeaway Seek inspiration without imitation; study diverse styles. Themes creative writing influence voice translation literary taste Mood reflective thoughtful Type literary inspirational When to use this quote - writing drafts - editing - reading for technique - exploring foreign literature Key Concepts literary influence voice authenticity translation appreciation Questions to Reflect On - How do you maintain originality while learning from others? - Can you blend distinct influences without losing your voice? A Different Perspective Strong voices may unintentionally shape one's own style. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Grace](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/grace/) [Influence](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/influence/) [Translations](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/translations/) [Writing](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/writing/) [Writing voice](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/writing-voice/) ## Related quotes > [If you spend enough time reading or writing, you find a voice, but you also find certain tastes. 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