Books Quote by Shane Carruth
“When I started writing short stories, I thought I was writing a novel. I had like 60 or 70 pages. And what I realized was that I don't write inner monologue. I don't want to talk about what somebody is thinking or feeling. I wanted to try to show it in an interesting way. And so what I realized was that I was really writing a screenplay.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Podcast with Shane Carruth, 2020
He realized his short stories lacked inner monologue and felt more like screenplays, focusing on showing rather than telling.
In simple terms: He switched from novel style to visual storytelling.
Key Takeaway
Embrace showing over telling.
Themes
writing
storytelling
show-don't-tell
screenplay
creative process
Mood
reflective
creative
analytical
Type
literary
instructional
When to use this quote
- short story writing
- screenplay development
- creative workshops
- editing sessions
Key Concepts
Narrative technique
visual narrative
characterization
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you convey character thoughts without explicit monologue?
- When does showing become confusing?
A Different Perspective
Screenplays also need internal depth; balance showing with inner thought.
