From things that have happened and from things as they exist and from all things that you know and all those you cannot know, you make something through your invention that is not a representation but a whole new thing truer than anything true and alive, and you make it alive, and if you make it well enough, you give it immortality. That is why you write and for no other reason that you know of. But what about all the reasons that no one knows?

Summary

This quote suggests that writers take inspiration from their surroundings, experiences, and knowledge to create something entirely new and authentic. It emphasizes the power of imagination and invention to go beyond mere representation, aiming to create a story that is truer and more alive than reality itself. The quote suggests that through skilled writing, a writer can breathe life into their creations, granting them a form of immortality. It also acknowledges that there may be hidden, subconscious reasons behind why writers feel compelled to write, beyond what they consciously comprehend.

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