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Q&A Quote at the beginning of a chapter, is it advisable for fiction novels?

This is a matter of opinion, it is done, but not by most. In my opinion, I recommend against it. First for all the reasons @SteveJessop has outlined; but just as important, I don't do it because t...

posted 6y ago by Amadeus‭  ·  last activity 5y ago by System‭

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#4: Attribution notice removed by user avatar System‭ · 2019-12-19T22:13:38Z (almost 5 years ago)
Source: https://writers.stackexchange.com/a/41016
License name: CC BY-SA 3.0
License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/
#3: Attribution notice added by user avatar System‭ · 2019-12-08T10:28:08Z (almost 5 years ago)
Source: https://writers.stackexchange.com/a/41016
License name: CC BY-SA 3.0
License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/
#2: Initial revision by (deleted user) · 2019-12-08T10:28:08Z (almost 5 years ago)
This is a matter of opinion, it is done, but not by most.

In my opinion, I recommend against it. First for all the reasons @SteveJessop has outlined; but just as important, I don't do it because to me it seems pretentious, as if comparing your writing to theirs, and it seems like trying to borrow the fame of other great writers to make your own look better.

The only exception would be something like a quote from a source you invented; a fictional philosopher, politician, religious icon, or military generals or whatever in your own invented world. Then you own the copyright on it.

I always stick to my own writing, I don't try to borrow anybody else's to make mine seem better, my characters never quote anybody I did not also invent in their world.

#1: Imported from external source by user avatar System‭ · 2019-01-03T20:14:44Z (almost 6 years ago)
Original score: 3