Even Quote by Wallace Shawn
“When I was first starting to write plays, I quite literally had never heard of the idea of studying playwriting. I wouldn't have studied it even if I had heard of it.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: The New Yorker, “The Playwright’s Journey”, 1995
Early in his career, the author admits he began writing plays without formal study, highlighting intuition over formal training.
In simple terms: He started writing plays without ever learning the craft first.
Key Takeaway
Trust your instincts and learn by doing.
Themes
creativity
self‑directed learning
artistic intuition
Mood
reflective
inquisitive
Type
anecdotal
motivational
When to use this quote
- first‑time playwright
- creative workshops
- independent study
- career beginnings
Key Concepts
playwriting
self‑education
intuition
Questions to Reflect On
- How might formal study have changed your early works?
- What risks do you see in learning solely by doing?
A Different Perspective
Lack of formal knowledge can lead to gaps in technique and missed opportunities.
