A rule says, “You must do it this way.” A principle says, “… - Robert McKee

" "
A rule says, “You must do it this way.” A principle says, “This works … and has through all remembered time.” The difference is crucial. Your work needn’t be modeled after the “well-made” play; rather, it must be well made within the principles that shape our art. Anxious, inexperienced writers obey rules. Rebellious, unschooled writers break rules. Artists master the form.

Robert McKee

This quote has a book source. Sign up to see titles and page references

English

Collect this quote

All quotes from Robert McKee Similar Quotes by other Originators

Shorter versions of this quote

Anxious, inexperienced writers obey rules. Rebellious, unschooled writers break rules. Artists master the form.

A rule says, “You must do it this way.” A principle says, “This works … and has through all remembered time.

Anxious, inexperienced writers obey rules.
Rebellious, unschooled writers break rules. Artists master the form.

Originators like Robert McKee:

Federico Fellini Joyce Carol Oates David Mamet Salman Rushdie Caitlín R. Kiernan

Additional quotes by Robert McKee

Story is metaphor for life, and to be alive is to be in seemingly perpetual conflict.

Anxious, inexperienced writers obey rules.
Rebellious, unschooled writers break rules. Artists master the form.

Art consists of separating one tiny piece from the rest of the universe and holding it up in such a way that it appears to be the most important, fascinating thing of this moment.

A rule says, “You must do it this way.” A principle says, “This works … and has through all remembered time.” The difference is crucial. Your work ne… - Robert McKee

Try QuoteGPT

Shorter versions of this quote

Go Premium

Additional quotes by Robert McKee

Enhance Your Quote Experience