Carolyn See Quotes

Every drama requires a cast. The cast may be so huge, as in Leo Tolstoy's 'Anna Karenina,' that the author or editor provides a list of characters to keep them straight. Or it may be an intimate cast of two.

I'm just writing a story that I want to read.

'Annapurna' is a sort of novel. It's a novel, but a true novel.

I don't think in terms of optimism and pessimism when writing a story. I am telling a story.

I believe that, in any novel of mine, the principal objective is the construction of the whole.

I like to tell stories that have beginnings, middles and ends.

Of course, I'm not allowed to talk about the script, but I can say it is a really good story.

Judgments and secrets are what make a good novel.

Storytelling is about two things; it's about character and plot.

I always think plot is what you fall back on if you can't write, to keep things going.

I believe that the writer should tell a story. I believe in plot. I believe in creating characters and suspense.

Events at home, at work, in the street - these are the bases for a story.

I think a good story's a good story and a good character's a good character.

Listen to great storytellers; slowly, you will learn about voice, timing, tension, structure, climax - all the things you need to tell stories that will capture the imagination of your audience.

I love good stories; you have to have a good plot - characters which intertwine with a good plot.

I want to tell a story and shape it all the way through to the end.

I love a really good storyline.

Our biggest challenge is always story. The story is the ultimate thing you try to tackle.

I find that most people know what a story is until they sit down to write one.

Each book should be an entity unto itself, with its own structure, character, life, name.

A story is built on characters and reasons.

The parallels between a stage and a book are compelling. You, like all authors, create 'characters' in a 'setting' who speak 'dialogue' encased in 'scenes.' Most importantly, you - like the playwright - have an 'audience.'

Even if your novel occurs in an unfamiliar setting in which all the customs and surroundings will seem strange to your reader, it's still better to start with action. The reason for this is simple. If the reader wanted an explanation of milieu, he would read nonfiction. He doesn't want information. He wants a story.

When I approach a story or movie, the story is the most important thing.

I'm always looking for a story.