You expect far too much of a first sentence. Think of it as analogous to a good country breakfast: what we want is something simple, but nourishing to the imagination.
Meaning of the quote
The quote suggests that we often expect too much from the first sentence of a story. Just like a simple, but tasty country breakfast, the first sentence should provide nourishment for the reader's imagination, without being overly complicated. The author reminds us that the goal is to write something straightforward, yet engaging, rather than trying to make the first sentence too elaborate or impressive.
About Larry McMurtry
Larry McMurtry was an acclaimed American novelist, essayist, and screenwriter who is best known for his works set in the Old West and contemporary Texas. Many of his novels, such as “The Last Picture Show” and “Terms of Endearment,” were adapted into award-winning films, and his Pulitzer Prize-winning novel “Lonesome Dove” was made into a popular TV miniseries.
More quotes from Larry McMurtry
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American novelist, essayist, bookseller and screenwriter (1936-2021)
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American novelist, essayist, bookseller and screenwriter (1936-2021)
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American novelist, essayist, bookseller and screenwriter (1936-2021)
No illusion is more crucial than the illusion that great success and huge money buy you immunity from the common ills of mankind, such as cars that won’t start.
American novelist, essayist, bookseller and screenwriter (1936-2021)
You expect far too much of a first sentence. Think of it as analogous to a good country breakfast: what we want is something simple, but nourishing to the imagination.
American novelist, essayist, bookseller and screenwriter (1936-2021)
One of the things that Ang brings to all of his projects is his deep sense of being a double exile, an outsider’s outsider.
American novelist, essayist, bookseller and screenwriter (1936-2021)
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American novelist, essayist, bookseller and screenwriter (1936-2021)
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American novelist, essayist, bookseller and screenwriter (1936-2021)