"You have to write the book that wants to be written. And if the book will be too difficult for grown-ups, then you write it for children."
This quote by E. L. Konigsburg underscores the importance of authenticity in writing. She suggests that writers should focus on creating the story that resonates within them, regardless of its complexity or intended audience. If a story is too challenging for adults, she implies, it could be just as impactful when presented to children. This perspective emphasizes the power and intelligence of young readers, encouraging authors to write with sincerity and without limitations.
"The more you know, the more you realize you don't know anything." - From "From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler"
This quote emphasizes that as we gain knowledge and experience, we become aware of our own limitations and the vastness of what remains unknown or unexplored. In other words, the more we learn, the more we recognize how much there is still to learn. It encourages humility and curiosity in the pursuit of knowledge, suggesting that the process of learning is infinite, and we should always remain open-minded and eager to discover new things.
"It's not that I'm afraid to die, I just don't want to be there when it happens." - From "Jennifer, Hecate, Macbeth, William McKinley, and Me, Elizabeth"
This quote by E. L. Konigsburg from the novel "Jennifer, Hecate, Macbeth, William McKinley, and Me, Elizabeth" reflects a character's apprehension towards the inevitable fact of death, but not due to fear of it itself. Rather, it suggests a desire to maintain control over one's life until the very end, unwilling to let go or succumb to the natural process without personal agency. In essence, it expresses a longing for self-determination and autonomy even in the face of mortality.
"The short stories are about how we hurt each other, but the novels are about how we heal each other."
This quote suggests that in our daily interactions, we often inflict pain on one another through misunderstandings, conflicts, or mistakes (the "short stories"). However, when we engage in deeper, more complex relationships, such as those depicted in novels, there is potential for healing, growth, and restoration. Novels offer an opportunity to explore human emotions, empathize with characters, learn from their struggles, and ultimately find solace and resolution. In essence, the quote highlights the therapeutic power of literature in helping us navigate our interpersonal relationships.
"A book is really two things -- it's a mirror and a window." - From "The View from Saturday"
In this quote, E. L. Konigsburg highlights that books serve dual purposes as both mirrors and windows. A book functions as a mirror by reflecting the reader's thoughts, feelings, experiences, or perspectives, allowing for personal growth and self-understanding. At the same time, a book works as a window by providing access to new worlds, cultures, ideas, and experiences that help broaden one's perspective and empathy towards others. By offering readers these two valuable lenses, books enrich our lives and foster a greater understanding of ourselves and the world around us.
When I was in college at Carnegie Mellon, I wanted to be a chemist. So I became one. I worked in a laboratory and went to graduate school at the University of Pittsburgh. Then I taught science at a private girls' school. I had three children and waited until all three were in school before I started writing.
- E. L. Konigsburg
When I began writing in the mid-1960s, I thought it was not important for readers to know whether I was male or female. Also, I was a great admirer of E.B. White, so I may have thought that it would bring me luck to submit my first manuscript as 'E.L.' But if I were starting out today, I would use my first name.
- E. L. Konigsburg
I think it's important to experience kindness so that you can experience it more in the future. I believe that patterns of emotional behavior are set down before adolescence. And I think that if you have not observed kindness, you will not recognize it. You have to experience kindness in order to be kind.
- E. L. Konigsburg
I was the first one in my family to go away to college. I came from a small town where there was no guidance in the high school at all. It was a mill town, and I never knew anyone who made their living from the arts. When you did go away to college, you went away to be something - an engineer, or a teacher, or a chemist.
- E. L. Konigsburg
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