"You cannot be a good writer of serious fiction if you are not depressed."--Kurt Vonnegut, Jr.
Apparently, only happy people write documentaries, biographies and other works of non-fiction. In a way, I agree with this which ought to make Pfizer and Procter and Gamble very happy people. I believe you have to have a certain level of angst going on to write great, compelling fiction. No one--in my humble opinion--wants to read a book flowered with rainbows, sunshine and unicorn farts. They want conflict, drama, death, destruction and lives filled with bittersweet endings. I for one enjoy dark works of fiction and know from experience that it's only within the depths of utter depression that true gems are often found.
Apparently, only happy people write documentaries, biographies and other works of non-fiction. In a way, I agree with this which ought to make Pfizer and Procter and Gamble very happy people. I believe you have to have a certain level of angst going on to write great, compelling fiction. No one--in my humble opinion--wants to read a book flowered with rainbows, sunshine and unicorn farts. They want conflict, drama, death, destruction and lives filled with bittersweet endings. I for one enjoy dark works of fiction and know from experience that it's only within the depths of utter depression that true gems are often found.
Kurt Vonnegut, Jr.
1922-2007
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