Conscious Quote by Walter Kirn
![“realized that at a level I'd never been conscious we'd been engaged in a game of wits for years. I suppose most writer-subject pairings are like that. Of course, I'd set aside my plan to write about him [Clark Rockfeller] as soon as I'd gotten to know him some, but now I'd resumed that intention.” quote by Walter Kirn](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/9e8/walter-kirn-2189_conscious_realized-that-at-a-level-i-d-never-been_3150735.jpg)
“realized that at a level I'd never been conscious we'd been engaged in a game of wits for years. I suppose most writer-subject pairings are like that. Of course, I'd set aside my plan to write about him [Clark Rockfeller] as soon as I'd gotten to know him some, but now I'd resumed that intention.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: The Paris Review, 2009
The writer and his subject have been subtly competing in intellect for years, shaping each other's narratives.
In simple terms: Writer and subject engage in a long‑term intellectual duel.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and use the tension to deepen storytelling.
Themes
creativity
relationship
intellect
storytelling
Mood
reflective
intrigued
Type
analytical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- writing a biography
- developing character
- collaborative projects
Key Concepts
Narrative dynamics
author‑subject interplay
Questions to Reflect On
- How does this rivalry affect the authenticity of the story?
- Can competition improve creative output?
