Avenues Quote by Terry Pratchett
“Writing, for me, is a little like wood carving. You find the lump of tree (the big central theme that gets you started), and you start cutting the shape that you think you want it to be. But you find, if you do it right, that the wood has a grain of its own (characters develop and present new insights, concentrated thinking about the story opens new avenues). If you're sensible, you work with the grain and, if you come across a knot hole, you incorporate that into the design. This is not the same as 'making it up as you go along'; it's a very careful process of control.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Discworld series by Terry Pratchett, 1990s
Writing is a craft where the initial idea is shaped like wood, respecting its natural grain and unexpected knots, leading to a controlled yet organic story.
In simple terms: Writing shapes ideas like carving wood, following its natural patterns.
Key Takeaway
Embrace the story’s natural flow and adapt to unexpected elements.
Themes
creativity
process
craftsmanship
Mood
reflective
inspired
Type
literary
process-oriented
When to use this quote
- novel writing
- screenwriting
- creative workshops
- editing sessions
Key Concepts
narrative structure
character development
organic storytelling
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance planned structure with spontaneous inspiration?
- What unexpected 'knots' have enriched your work?
A Different Perspective
The metaphor may oversimplify the iterative nature of drafting and revision.
