Caught Quote by Patrick Rothfuss
“I think the tendency to over-explain and over describe is one of the most common failings in fantasy. It's an unfortunate piece of Tolkien's legacy. Don't get me wrong, Tolkien was a great worldbuilder, but he got a little caught up describing his world at times, at the expense of the overall story.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: The Writer's Journey, 2015
Over‑explanation in fantasy can drown narrative, sacrificing plot for detail.
In simple terms: Too much detail harms story.
Key Takeaway
Balance world‑building with plot.
Themes
fantasy
writing
detail
storytelling
Mood
reflective
analytical
Type
advice
literary criticism
When to use this quote
- novel drafting
- editing
- workshop feedback
Key Concepts
World‑building
narrative pacing
authorial voice
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you trim description without losing immersion?
- When does detail enhance rather than hinder?
![“Here's the thing: Authors live or die by recommendations. [That's one of the reason I review so many books on Goodreads.] Giving books you love good reviews is one of the nicest things you can do for an author. What's more it's good for the entire community.” quote by Patrick Rothfuss](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/4be/patrick-rothfuss-145_book_here-s-the-thing-authors-live-or-die-by_50609.jpg)
