Books Quote by William Monahan
“I came into screenwriting from an odd direction, because the first screenplay that I read was and is better as writing than the top one percent of literary novels.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: “The Guardian”, 2015
Screenwriting can surpass literature in storytelling power; unconventional paths lead to insight
In simple terms: Screenwriting can be better than novels
Key Takeaway
Explore non‑traditional routes to writing
Themes
creativity
literature
screenwriting
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
inquisitive
Type
philosophical
reflective
When to use this quote
- Film class
- writing workshop
- creative retreat
Key Concepts
narrative structure
storytelling
genre blending
Questions to Reflect On
- What unconventional path has shaped your craft?
- How does medium affect narrative impact?
A Different Perspective
May overlook the collaborative nature of film compared to solitary novel writing
![“I've quit writing screenplay [adaptations]. It's too much work. I don't look at writing a novel as work, because I only have to please myself. I have a good time sitting here by myself, thinking up situations and characters, getting them to talk - it's so satisfying. But screenwriting's different…” quote by Elmore Leonard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/396/elmore-leonard-3471_adaptation_i-ve-quit-writing-screenplay-adaptations_2640851.jpg)
![“I put no stock in religion. By the word religion I have seen the lunacy of fanatics of every denomination be called the will of god. Holiness is in right action, and courage on behalf of those who cannot defend themselves, and goodness. What God desires is here [mind] and here [heart] and what you…” quote by William Monahan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/1e0/william-monahan-3226_every-day_i-put-no-stock-in-religion-by-the-word-r_8215.jpg)
