Coca Bentley
asked
Lisa See:
Why are you using a famous quote as if it were yours? “Read a thousand words and your words will flow like a river” is a quote written by Virginia Woolf. Please explain. Thank you.
Lisa See
I'm not. I used this line in Snow Flower and the Secret Fan, when the scholar is teaching Lily's son, who will eventually grow up to take and pass the Imperial Exams. Perhaps Virginia Woolf used it, but it's most definitely an old Chinese proverb. Other people have picked up this line as though I wrote it. They are actually quoting from Snow Flower and the Secret Fan without using the context.
More Answered Questions
Mariella
asked
Lisa See:
Have the works of Pearl S. Buck made any impression on you, positive or negative? I've wondered if your books may contain allusions to hers, or if there are common themes in these novels simply because of your similar cultural experiences. If you feel comfortable sharing any opinions I would be quite interested. Thanks!
Ariana
asked
Lisa See:
Dear Lisa See, I want to start by letting you know how much I appreciate your work! You are one of the best writers Earth has ever gained, and I am extremely grateful that I have the honor and the chance to live in the same period as you. This gives me the chance to get answers to my questions right from you, isn't that amazing? I want to ask you, how do you find inspiration for your novels?
About Goodreads Q&A
Ask and answer questions about books!
You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.
See Featured Authors Answering Questions
Learn more