“Books choose their authors; the act of creation is not entirely a rational and conscious one.”
— Salman Rushdie
Simplified Meaning:
Sometimes, it feels like stories and ideas come to an author on their own, as if the author was chosen by the story, not the other way around. Writing isn't just about logic and planning; it's also about inspiration and emotions, which can feel almost magical. For example, consider a songwriter who suddenly comes up with a beautiful melody and lyrics while taking a walk. They didn't sit down and force themselves to create this song; it just flowed naturally. In the same way, writers often surprise themselves with what they create, feeling like they're discovering something rather than making it up. This means that creativity often involves an element of mystery, where the best ideas come to us when we’re least expecting them. Embracing this helps people realize that some of the best work happens when they let their mind wander and don't strictly control every part of the process.