Quote by J. G. Ballard
Given that external reality is a fiction, the writer's role is almost superfluous. He does not need to invent the fiction because it is already there.
Summary
This quote highlights the perspective that external reality is essentially a construct or fiction, implying that it does not require any invention on the part of the writer. The role of the writer is seen as almost unnecessary in creating fiction because the world and its complexities already exist, ready to be observed, interpreted, and portrayed through writing. This notion implies that reality itself provides ample material for writers to draw from, making their role more about capturing and reflecting on existing narratives rather than solely creating entirely new ones.