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Writing Beyond Intent

Evan Swensen
Author Masterminds
Published in
4 min readJan 6, 2025

“The writer probably knows what he meant when he wrote a book, but he should immediately forget what he meant after he’s written it,” said William Golding, encapsulating his belief in the autonomy of literature. This humble and profound perspective reflects the core of Golding’s legacy as a writer. He understood that once written, stories belong as much to readers as they do to their creator. This openness to interpretation helped his works transcend time, making them as impactful today as when they were first penned. Golding’s life and contributions to literature remind us of the transformative power of stories — how they can challenge societal norms and illuminate universal truths.

Witnessing the Darkness of Humanity

Before he became a literary icon, William Golding served as a naval officer during World War II, an experience that left an indelible mark on his worldview. The horrors of war exposed him to the thin line between civilization and chaos. One pivotal moment came during the sinking of the German battleship Bismarck, a victory for the Allied forces but a grim reminder of the cost of war. These experiences profoundly influenced his understanding of human nature, inspiring the hauntingly realistic descent into savagery depicted in Lord of the Flies.

The war also revealed to Golding the fragility of societal structures. He saw firsthand how easily…

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Author Masterminds
Author Masterminds

Published in Author Masterminds

Where Every Reader is a Friend, and Every Author Approachable

Evan Swensen
Evan Swensen

Written by Evan Swensen

Book publisher, editor, author, Author Masterminds charter member, founder of Readers and Writers Book Club, and bush pilot.

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