I started to write [The Name of the Rose] in March of 1978, moved by a seminal idea. I wanted to poison a monk.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The author recalls the specific moment a simple idea sparked his famous novel.
- In plain terms
- I started writing because I wanted to kill a monk in a story.
- What can you take from it?
- Simple ideas can start great works.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What simple idea excites you?
- How do you start writing?
Another view
Not every idea leads to a successful book.
More from Umberto Eco
Books are not made to be believed, but to be subjected to inquiry.
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