"The writing of a poem is like a child throwing stones into a mineshaft. You compose first, then you listen for the reverberation."

--

Source : The Independent on Sunday, June 24, 1990.

James Fenton

#Children Quotes #Writing Quotes #Poetry Quotes

“I'm not looking to go out there and make a rhythmic Timbaland track.”
“Remember, we are creating the lives we're about to enter into.”
“A man ranks lowest on the credibility index; if he refrains to appreciate the creative instinct of his acquaintances jealously, but likes the similar nature works of others especially famous persons.”
“It doesn't take a lot to make me happy. I take pleasure from everything I do.”
“If you do not wish to be lied to, do not ask questions. If there were no questions, there would be no lies.”

Source : "The treasures of B. Traven".
“Human history has become too much a matter of dogma taught by 'professionals' in ivory towers as though it's all fact. Actually, much of human history is up for grabs. The further back you go, the more that the history that's taught in the schools and universities begins to look like some kind of faerie story.”
“Now I say that if you run more than 15 miles a week, it's for something other than aerobic fitness. Once you pass 15 miles, you do not see much further improvement.”
“The Santa Anas blew in hot from the desert, shriveling the last of the spring grass into whiskers of pale straw. Only the oleanders thrived, their delicate poisonous blooms, their dagger green leaves. We could not sleep in the hot dry nights, my mother and I.”

Source : Janet Fitch (2013). “White Oleander”, p.7, Hachette UK

You may also like:

Carol Ann Duffy
Poet
Christopher Hitchens
Author
Craig Raine
Poet
Darryl Pinckney
Novelist
John Caird
Stage Director
John Fuller
Poet
Martin Amis
Novelist
Simon Armitage
Poet
Trevor Nunn
Theatre Director