“I used to try to make myself look clever by saying I was in search of the narrative saturation point of fiction, but now–don’t you get tired of the phrase experimental novel? If I could present theories directly and well, I might be tempted to do it, but as I can’t, I prefer to discuss the human heart through characterization, and to address the human condition through plot. Many of the masters do the same–Chekhov, Salinger, Austen. When a writer presses the pause button, turns to me and says, Now I’m going to tell you about life, dear reader, I think, This had better be damned good, and if it isn’t, this dear reader makes his excuses and heads for the exit.”
–David Mitchell. from “The Art of Fiction #204″
found in Paris Review (no. 193, Summer 2010)
