Quotes from David Corbett

Writers possess only four tools: research, experience, empathy, and imagination. Fortunately, whole worlds can be built from them.

The problem lies not with genre but with formula, which consists of seeing genre conventions as restrictions rather than mere guidelines, ends in themselves rather than possibilities.

To paraphrase one of my favorite math professors: The difference between great artists, and artists who are not so great, is that great artists think deeply about simple things.

Loneliness is the price you pay for keeping things uncomplicated

Characterization requires a constant back-and-forth between the exterior events of the story and the inner life of the character.

An intuitive grasp of your character is formed by exploring scenes of profound emotional import-moments of overwhelming shame, joy, fear, pride, regret, forgiveness.