Freelance writers and others
recognize a good quote when they see one. They learn how to employ it
effectively and appropriately in a wide variety of literary projects, in order
to accomplish a specific purpose. When used appropriately, a simple quote can
make a more powerful statement than an entire article.
Understanding what a good quote
is can help freelance writers use it appropriately. In many ways, a good quote
is like putting the finishing touches on a piece of artwork.
“The artist is the only one who
knows that the world is a subjective creation, that there is a choice to be
made, a selection of
elements, ” a quotation by Anais Nin.
What is a quote?
Thefreedictionary.com suggests
that to quote something is “to repeat or copy the words of (another), usually with acknowledgment of the source” or “to cite or refer to for illustration or proof.” It is also
used within the context of “to repeat a brief passage or excerpt” or “to state
(a price) for securities, goods, or services”.
For freelance writers and
others, a good quote entails a judgment thereof and offers a number of unique
elements including the following:
Truth:
Truth rings true in every era.
Truth in the form of a brief, unique and different literary statement, has the
power to touch and change the lives of people over different generations.
People value truth and statements that ring true to them. These are the ones
they hold dear or treasure.
Timeliness or timelessness:
Writers in every era have
created quotes that live on, as there appears to be an element of timeliness
and timelessness to them. In other words, at almost any time and in any part of
the world, they can be quoted and be appropriate for that time and
place.
Profundity:
Quotes reiterated throughout
the ages offer simple but profound messages that strike an inner cord touching
the hearts and minds of people, mentally, emotionally and often
spiritually.
Inspiration:
Good quotes offer inspiration
to others, even those who may have difficulty understanding other methods of
expression or communication.
Openness to
interpretation:
A good quote is open to a
multiplicity of different kinds of interpretation. Many of them have double
meanings or many meanings, on different levels of thought.
Other important aspects of
quotes include the following:
Use of quotation marks:
The use of quotation marks
identifies a quote as such and draws attention to it. It can also signify a voice that is speaking.
Accuracy of literary source:
The accuracy of its literary
source confirms the validity of a good quote. There are quotes that have
unknown or anonymous sources, difficult to track down in terms of actual origin
or authorship. Quotes may change meanings when translated in other languages,
so accuracy of source is always important. Avoiding plagiarism is important
when using any quote.
There are quotes and then there
are good quotes, the ones that are better than others. Working with different
quotes over time in terms of literary projects, will assist a freelance writer
to discern between the two.
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