Writing Forum

"Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go." Brainyquotes attributes this to T.S. Eliot, but I prefer Walter Bishop and William Bell, mad scientists from "Fringe." I think the mad-science metaphor better answers our purpose, for one thing. One must extrapolate, speculate, throw in guesses and fudge. This might be done by using waffle words, "seems" "feels" "I think" in your early drafts, if they make you feel more comfortable. Just be sure to never let the reader see them! Take out the verbal ticks and talk as if you are absolutely sure. Fiction is no place to hem and haw. And make sure your plot conflict is genuine, dramatic conflict - because the reader will forgive most other things, if he wants to know what happens to the characters.

Arrogance is a near-perfect term, despite its rep, as Kate Hawthorne correctly states. I think the perfect term is audacity. Either way, pushing the boundaries and acting as if you are 100% correct are essential skills.