I don't like to write like God. It is only because you never do it, though, that the critics think you can't do it

I don't like to write like God. It is only because you never do it, though, that the critics think you can't do it

Ernest Hemingway, known for his minimalist and straightforward writing style, once famously said, “I don't like to write like God. It is only because you never do it, though, that the critics think you can't do it.” This quote sheds light on Hemingway's approach to writing and his disdain for overly ornate and flowery prose.

Hemingway's writing style is characterized by its simplicity, clarity, and directness. He believed in using short, declarative sentences and avoiding unnecessary adjectives and adverbs. Hemingway's prose is often described as “iceberg theory,” where he only reveals a small portion of the story on the surface, leaving much of the meaning and emotion beneath the surface for the reader to infer.

In the quote, Hemingway expresses his aversion to writing like God, which can be interpreted as a rejection of overly grandiose and elaborate writing styles. Hemingway believed that good writing should be clear, concise, and to the point, without unnecessary embellishments. By stating that critics think you can't write like God because you never do it, Hemingway is suggesting that his critics may underestimate his abilities because he chooses not to write in a more elaborate style.

Hemingway's writing style was revolutionary in its simplicity and directness, and it had a profound influence on the development of modern literature. His spare prose and focus on the essentials of storytelling have inspired countless writers to adopt a more minimalist approach to writing.