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Quote by Ian Mcewan

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Ian Mcewan
Ian Mcewan

Ian Mcewan is a renowned British novelist known for his unique narrative techniques and profound insights into human nature. His works often explore themes such as moral dilemmas, historical events, and personal identity. Born on June 21, 1948, Mcewan's representative works include 'Atonement', 'Freedom', and 'Amsterdam'. more

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“Books are frozen voices, in the same way that musical scores are frozen music. The score is a way of transmitting the music to someone who can play it, releasing it into the air where it can once more be heard. And the black alphabet marks on the page represent words that were once spoken, if only in the writer's head. They lie there inert until a reader comes along and transforms the letters into living sounds. The reader is the musician of the book: each reader may read the same text, just as each violinist plays the same piece, but each interpretation is different.”

“To any writer: Teach yourself to work in uncertainty. Many writers are anxious when they begin, or try something new. Even Matisse painted some of his Fauvist pictures in anxiety. Maybe that helped him to simplify. Character, discipline, negative capability count. Write, complete, revise. If it doesn't work, begin something else.”