When I was still in prep school - 14, 15 - I started keeping notebooks, journals. I started writing, almost like landscape drawing or life drawing. I never kept a diary, I never wrote about my day and what happened to me, but I described things.

When I was still in prep school - 14, 15 - I started keeping notebooks, journals. I started writing, almost like landscape drawing or life drawing. I never kept a diary, I never wrote about my day and what happened to me, but I described things.

📖 John Irving

🌍 American  |  👨‍💼 Novelist

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This quote highlights a nuanced approach to writing and self-expression. Instead of narrating daily events, the author focused on capturing impressions and details, akin to art techniques like landscape or life drawing. It reflects an intuitive, visual, and descriptive method that emphasizes perception over chronology. Such practice can cultivate a keen observational skill and enhance emotional insight. The analogy suggests that writing can serve as a form of visual art, emphasizing the importance of capturing the essence of a moment rather than just documenting it. It inspires on multiple levels—from artistic expression to mindful observation—underscoring the value of describing the world around us in vivid detail.

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January 01, 2026

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