“Novels written with film contracts in mind have a faint but unmistakable, and ruinous, odor.” MindFilmNovelWrittenContractsOdor Author:Annie Dillard
“It's very bad to write a novel by act of will. I can do a book of nonfiction work that way - just sign the contract and do the book because, provided the topic has some meaning for me, I know I can do it. But a novel is different. A novel is more like falling in love. You don't say, 'I'm going to fall in love next Tuesday, I'm going to begin my novel.' The novel has to come to you. It has to feel just like love.” KnowsWayFeelsWritingI CanBookDifferentFallNextCan DoNovelLove YouFalling In LoveContractsNonfictionTopicsTuesdayI Can Do ItLike LoveFeels Just Author:Norman Mailer
“In my mind what novels do best is that they immerse us deeply into our character's world - they truly transport us deep into these spaces - but the same way you know a Hollywood movie won't end after thirty minutes, you carry in yourself the implicit contract that the novel won't throw you out of itself 'til the very end. That bulk of pages is a form of consolation, of security.” KnowsWorldWayMindEndsCharacterFormSpaceNovelMinutesSecurityPagesHollywoodThirtyContractsConsolationTransportImplicitHollywood Movies Author:Junot Diaz
“A novel can educate to some extent, but first a novel has to entertain. That's the contract with the reader: you give me ten hours and I'll give you a reason to turn every page. I have a commitment to accessibility. I believe in plot. I want an English professor to understand the symbolism while at the same time I want the people I grew up with - who may not often read anything but the Sears catalog - to read my books.” PeopleWantGivingFirstsBelieveMayBookReasonTurnsI BelieveHoursNovelGrewReaderTenGrew UpPagesCommitmentGive MeI Believe InPlotContractsProfessorsEducateSymbolismAccessibilitySears Author:Barbara Kingsolver