I'll write maybe one long paragraph describing the events, then a page or two breaking the events into chapters, and then reams of pages delving into my characters. After that, I'm ready to begin.

Quote by Anne Tyler

Topics: Anne Tyler Quotes

I didn't really choose to write; I more or less fell into it.

I didn't really choose to write; I more or less fell into it.

I save the best of myself for novels, and I believe it shows.

I save the best of myself for novels, and I believe it shows.

When I read, I'm purely a reader.

When I read, I'm purely a reader.

I spend about a year between novels.

I spend about a year between novels.

I've always enjoyed studying the small clues that indicate a particular class level.

I've always enjoyed studying the small clues that indicate a particular class level.

I would advise any beginning writer to write the first drafts as if no one...

I would advise any beginning writer to write the first drafts as if no one...

I never think about the actual process of writing. I suppose I have a superstition...

I never think about the actual process of writing. I suppose I have a superstition...

None of my own experiences ever finds its way into my work. However, the stages...

None of my own experiences ever finds its way into my work. However, the stages...

Time, in general, has always been a central obsession of mine - what it does...

Time, in general, has always been a central obsession of mine - what it does...

I do write long, long character notes - family background, history, details of appearance -...

I do write long, long character notes - family background, history, details of appearance -...

At most I'll spend three or four hours daily, sometimes less.

At most I'll spend three or four hours daily, sometimes less.

I think it must be very hard to be one of the new young writers...

I think it must be very hard to be one of the new young writers...

If I waited till I felt like writing, I'd never write at all.

If I waited till I felt like writing, I'd never write at all.

For me, writing something down was the only road out.

For me, writing something down was the only road out.

I consciously try to end my novels at a point where I won't have to...

I consciously try to end my novels at a point where I won't have to...

My decision to start a new one is just that, a decision, since I never...

My decision to start a new one is just that, a decision, since I never...

My family can always tell when I'm well into a novel because the meals get...

My family can always tell when I'm well into a novel because the meals get...

I forget a book as soon as I finish writing it, which is not always...

I forget a book as soon as I finish writing it, which is not always...

Ever consider what pets must think of us? I mean, here we come back from...

Ever consider what pets must think of us? I mean, here we come back from...

I don't want to say I hear voices; well, actually I do hear voices, but...

I don't want to say I hear voices; well, actually I do hear voices, but...