---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: It's just the garbage in/garbage out…"
description: "\"It's just the garbage in/garbage out trick. If you're not taking any fiction in, good or bad, then how can you be spitting any back out (good or bad)? ..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c2e/stephen-graham-jones-27421_book_it-s-just-the-garbage-in-garbage-out-tri_2018254.jpg"
---

#  It's just the garbage in/garbage out trick. If you're not…

![“It's just the garbage in/garbage out trick. If you're not taking any fiction in, good or bad, then how can you be spitting any back out (good or bad)? I can't even imagine trying to write without reading. Really, I can hardly write a novel at all if I'm not reading just book after book.” quote by Stephen Graham Jones](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c2e/stephen-graham-jones-27421_book_it-s-just-the-garbage-in-garbage-out-tri_2018254.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c2e/stephen-graham-jones-27421_book_it-s-just-the-garbage-in-garbage-out-tri_2018254.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c2e/stephen-graham-jones-27421_book_it-s-just-the-garbage-in-garbage-out-tri_2018254.jpg)

> “It's just the garbage in/garbage out trick. If you're not taking any fiction in, good or bad, then how can you be spitting any back out (good or bad)? I can't even imagine trying to write without reading. Really, I can hardly write a novel at all if I'm not reading just book after book.”

[Stephen Graham Jones](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephen-graham-jones/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Reading fuels imagination and skill; without consuming stories, a writer cannot produce quality work.

**In simple terms:** Reading is essential for writing.

Key Takeaway

Read widely to improve writing.

Themes

writing creativity learning

Mood

reflective inspired

Type

advice motivational

When to use this quote

- author workshops
- novel writing
- creative practice
- academic study

Key Concepts

literary influence skill development

Questions to Reflect On

- How does reading shape your voice?
- What genres expand your perspective?

A Different Perspective

Even with reading, discipline and originality are still required.

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