Best Quote by N. K. Jemisin
“When I start a new novel, I often write 'test chapters' in different tenses and from different points of view in order to figure out which is best to tell the tale.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Writing Process, N. K. Jemisin, 2020
The author experiments with tense and perspective early to discover the most effective storytelling approach.
In simple terms: Testing different styles helps choose the best narrative voice.
Key Takeaway
Experiment before committing to a final structure.
Themes
creative writing
process
voice
Mood
curious
analytical
Type
process
instructional
When to use this quote
- drafting a novel
- workshop sessions
- creative brainstorming
Key Concepts
narrative perspective
tense experimentation
story structure
Questions to Reflect On
- Which narrative choice feels most authentic?
- How does early testing affect later revisions?
A Different Perspective
May delay the start of full manuscript writing.
