William Faulkner, one of America’s literary titans, crafted a unique perspective on the art of writing that resonates with many aspiring authors. His quotes delve into the profound complexities of storytelling, exploring themes of creativity, memory, and the burdens of narrative. Here are ten thought-provoking quotes from Faulkner that illuminate his views on writing:
1. “Writing is a way of thinking.”
This succinct observation underscores the intricate relationship between thought and creation, asserting that the act of writing is an extension of one’s cognitive processes.
2. “The story is the thing.”
Faulkner emphasizes that the essence of writing lies in the narrative itself. It’s not merely the mechanics of writing, but the story it conveys that captivates readers.
3. “You cannot swim for new horizons until you have courage to lose sight of the shore.”
This quote encourages writers to embrace uncertainty and risk, suggesting that true creative exploration often involves stepping away from familiar comforts.
4. “I never know what I think about something until I read what I’ve written on it.”
Here, Faulkner articulates the concept of writing as a vessel for self-discovery, highlighting its capacity to unveil latent thoughts and ideas.
5. “In writing, you must kill all your darlings.”
This well-known adage reveals the necessity of ruthless editing. Writers must sometimes part with their favorite creations for the sake of clarity and conciseness.
6. “It is the writer’s privilege to intercept and transcribe the thoughts of mankind.”
Faulkner’s notion positions writers as conduits for shared human experience, tasked with capturing the zeitgeist of their time.
7. “The past is never dead. It’s not even past.”
This profound reflection inspires writers to explore the layered complexities of memory and history, emphasizing how the past perpetually influences the present.
8. “A writer must teach himself that the basest of things can be the most sublime.”
Faulkner’s perspective challenges writers to find beauty and profundity in the mundane, elevating the everyday to artful heights.
9. “You don’t write because you want to say something, you write because you have something to say.”
This powerful distinction emphasizes the urgency of expression, suggesting that authentic writing emerges from a deep-seated necessity rather than mere desire.
10. “The writer’s being must be an open wound.”
In this evocative statement, Faulkner encapsulates the vulnerability involved in writing; true artistry demands a willingness to expose one’s innermost self.
Through these quotes, Faulkner’s idiosyncratic insights invite writers to reflect on the iterative journey of creativity, urging them to embrace both the challenges and rewards of their craft.
