"The overwhelming triumph of the international multimedia conglomerate has resulted in less diversity within the field and has made it much harder for newer writers not only to break in, but to make any kind of a living while doing so."
About Alan Dean Foster
Alan Dean Foster — Life and Legacy
Alan Dean Foster is a prominent author celebrated for his contributions to science fiction and fantasy literature. His distinctive storytelling style, particularly evident in works like the novelization of 'Alien', showcases his ability to blend imaginative concepts with compelling narratives. Foster's key ideas revolve around the power of imagination and the importance of storytelling as a means of exploring human experience. For instance, he often asserts that 'the story is everything', emphasizing that a well-crafted narrative is essential for engaging readers and transporting them to new realms. This perspective reflects his belief that creativity knows no bounds, inviting readers to embark on journeys that challenge their perceptions of reality. Foster's quotes and ideas continue to resonate, as they inspire both writers and readers to appreciate the depth and richness of storytelling, highlighting its enduring relevance in a rapidly changing world.
Quote collection
Alan Dean Foster quotes (page 1 of 2)
33 quotes — follow a thought to its full quote page.
"Dawn was written well before 9/11. People speak a lot today about the banality of evil, but not all evil is banal. Some of it is carefully structured and well-thought-out. That's where the real danger lies."
"The thing all writers do best is find ways to avoid writing."
"I enjoy listening to classical music and heavy metal. I play basketball and try to go diving at least once a year. I don't really have hobbies in the traditional sense... I engage in too many activities already through the actions of my characters."
"Where lies the line between sorcery and science? It is only a matter of terminology, my friend."
"Living gives you a better understanding of life. I would hope that my characters have become deeper and more rounded personalities. Wider travels have given me considerably greater insight into how cultural differences affect not only people, but politics and art."
"Freedom is just Chaos, with better lighting."
"Keep writing. Try to do a little bit every day, even if the result looks like crap. Getting from page four to page five is more important than spending three weeks getting page four perfect."
"It is always hard when reality intrudes on belief."
"Growing up, I never gave a thought to being a writer. All I ever wanted to be was a traveler and explorer. Science-fiction allowed me to go places that were otherwise inaccessible, which is why I started reading it."
"Advances have fallen, generally, for everything except the biggest potential bestsellers. Given all the changes, both economic and technological, SF hasn't done too badly."
"How much research I have to do depends on the nature of the story. For fantasy, none at all."
"In one book, CACHALOT, just for my own amusement, every character is based directly on someone I have known."
"Spontaneity is one of the joys of existence, especially if you prepare for it in advance."
"I have a bad tendency to get rapidly bored with my own material, so rewriting is hard for me. I mean, I already know the story and would rather read something new."
"I see the Jedi mission as giving up a normal life in exchange for protecting the innocent. It's a life of sacrifice. There are rewards, but also a certain degree of sterility."
"I usually do one con a year as a GoH and try to make the World Fantasy Convention for business purposes. Last year I went to a worldcon for the first time in two decades. I may go again this year."
"The universe is full of dead people who lived by assumption."
"We're all nothing but unified arrangements of atoms and particles, drifting around, enjoying consciousness every now and then for a second or so before splitting up to become bits and pieces of trees and stars and french fries."
"If you're crazy, there's two things you can do to make yourself feel better: One is to get yourself cured. The other is to make everyone you have to deal with crazy."