Bangs Quote by Vladimir Nabokov
“When I receive a new novel from a hopeful publisher - "hoping that I like the book as much as he does" - I check first of all how much dialog there is, and if it looks too abundant or too sustained, I shut the book with a bang.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: “The Art of the Novel”, 1962
Excessive dialogue can overwhelm narrative; balance is key.
In simple terms: Too much talk can hurt a story.
Mind dialogue, keep narrative balance.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- novel writing
- screenwriting
- editing
- story workshops
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How much dialogue suits your story?
- When should description dominate?
Dialogue is essential for character development.