“In writing a novel, when in doubt, have two guys come through the door with guns.”
— Raymond Chandler
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We’ve all had those moments in life where we feel completely stuck, staring at a blank page with no idea what comes next. Master of noir Raymond Chandler famously offered this writing advice: “In writing a novel, when in doubt, have two guys come through the door with guns.” Sometimes, life doesn't need more overthinking—it just needs a bold plot twist to shake things up. How do you usually handle those unexpected plot twists in your own life? Let’s chat in the comments! 👇
About this quote
Life, much like a Raymond Chandler novel, rarely hands us a neat outline when we find ourselves staring at a blank page. We all experience moments of paralyzing uncertainty—seasons where the path forward is obscured, inspiration runs dry, and the plot of our existence feels stuck in a rut. It’s easy to freeze up when the narrative slows down, waiting for the perfect conditions to appear before we dare to take the next step. But Chandler’s cynical yet surprisingly liberating advice reminds us that stagnation is just a cue for a plot twist. When you don't know what comes next, you don't need all the answers; you just need to introduce a jolt of momentum. Of course, those 'guys with guns' crashing through our metaphorical doors aren't meant to bring violence or chaos, but rather unexpected catalysts. They represent the sudden plot twists, bold choices, and brave leaps into the unknown that disrupt our comfort zones and force us to react. In our own lives, progress often begins the moment we stop overthinking and allow ourselves to embrace the unpredictable. When doubt paralyzes you, do the unexpected. Shake up your routine, take a risk, and trust your ability to improvise the very next chapter of your story.
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Photo by JKalina on Unsplash
