“For me, writing is really just learning about the things that interest me, and then trying to convince you to find them as interesting as I do.” — Susan Orlean on Twitter
Whether you write nonfiction (like the marvelous Susan Orlean) or fiction, the maxim applies. Good nonfiction writers engage readers in subjects they never thought they’d care about. Fiction writers, especially those who do extensive background research, are equally responsible for incorporating what they learn in ways that are integral to their stories. If we fail to generate that interest, the manuscript will be of interest to only one person — the writer. For more of my literary thoughts, see REFLECTIONS.
