---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: The important thing in writing is the…"
description: "\"The important thing in writing is the capacity to astonish. Not shock - shock is a worn-out word - but astonish.\" — Terry Southern"
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/4c6/terry-southern-21355_capacity_the-important-thing-in-writing-is-the-ca_1344787.jpg"
---

#  The important thing in writing is the capacity to…

![“The important thing in writing is the capacity to astonish. Not shock - shock is a worn-out word - but astonish.” quote by Terry Southern](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/4c6/terry-southern-21355_capacity_the-important-thing-in-writing-is-the-ca_1344787.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/4c6/terry-southern-21355_capacity_the-important-thing-in-writing-is-the-ca_1344787.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/4c6/terry-southern-21355_capacity_the-important-thing-in-writing-is-the-ca_1344787.jpg)

> “The important thing in writing is the capacity to astonish. Not shock - shock is a worn-out word - but astonish.”

[Terry Southern](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/terry-southern/)

## About This Quote

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

The core of writing is to surprise readers with fresh insight, not merely to jolt them with cheap shock.

**In simple terms:** Surprise readers with fresh insight, not

Key Takeaway

;Start aim to astonish, not just shock.

Themes

writing creativity surprise

Mood

inspired thoughtful

Type

literary motivational

When to use this quote

- author workshops
- creative writing classes
- editing sessions

Key Concepts

Literary craft originality

Questions to Reflect On

- How can you balance novelty with depth?
- When does surprise become gimmick?

A Different Perspective

Astonishing can be costly if overused, losing impact.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★   No ratings yet

[Language](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/language/) [Shock](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/shock/) [Writer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/writer/) [Writing](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/writing/)

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