Ask yourself Quote by Nicholas Sparks
“Too many writers think that all you need to do is write well-but that's only part of what a good book is. Above all, a good book tells a good story. Focus on the story first. Ask yourself, 'Will other people find this story so interesting that they will tell others about it?' Remember: A bestselling book usually follows a simple rule, 'It's a wonderful story, wonderfully told'; not, 'It's a wonderfully told story.'”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Writing Workshop, 2018
A good book must first tell a compelling story; quality writing alone isn’t enough for success.
In simple terms: Story matters more than style.
Focus on storytelling.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- novel writing
- marketing a publishing
- reader engagement
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What makes a story unforgettable?
- How do you balance plot and prose?
Overemphasis on story can neglect technical polish.