Meaning: This quote is from the renowned author Toni Morrison, who is known for her powerful and thought-provoking novels that often explore themes of race, identity, and the African American experience. In this quote, Morrison provides insight into her approach to writing and the creative process behind her works. By likening herself to a god and asserting that she has not bestowed free will on any of her characters, Morrison offers a glimpse into her authorial perspective and the way she crafts her narratives.

One of the key ideas conveyed in this quote is the notion of authorial control. Morrison's assertion that she believes she is like a god when writing suggests a profound sense of authority and power over the world and characters she creates within her novels. This perspective aligns with the traditional view of authors as the ultimate creators and rulers of the fictional realms they bring to life through their writing. By positioning herself as a god-like figure in the context of her writing, Morrison emphasizes the immense influence and agency she wields in shaping the destinies and experiences of her characters.

Furthermore, Morrison's statement that she has not bestowed free will on any of her characters sheds light on her approach to character development and the ways in which she constructs the lives and actions of her fictional personas. In essence, she is asserting that every aspect of her characters' existence, choices, and outcomes is meticulously crafted and predetermined by her as the author. This perspective challenges the notion of characters as autonomous entities with the capacity for independent decision-making within the narrative, highlighting Morrison's intention to assert full control over the unfolding of her stories.

The idea that there are no surprises in any of Morrison's books further emphasizes her authorial mastery and deliberate construction of her narratives. By suggesting that there are no unexpected or unplanned elements in her works, Morrison underscores the meticulous and purposeful nature of her storytelling. This perspective aligns with a view of writing as a highly intentional and calculated process, in which every element is carefully crafted and guided by the author's overarching vision.

It is important to note that Morrison's approach to writing, as reflected in this quote, has sparked discussions and interpretations within literary circles. Some readers and critics have viewed her perspective as a reflection of the author's commitment to asserting her creative authority and shaping her narratives with precision and intention. Others have engaged with the implications of this perspective on the agency and autonomy of her characters, raising questions about the relationship between author and character within the fictional worlds she creates.

In conclusion, Toni Morrison's quote provides a fascinating glimpse into her perspective on writing and the creative process. By positioning herself as a god-like figure with absolute control over her characters and narratives, Morrison offers insight into the deliberate and purposeful nature of her storytelling. Her assertion challenges traditional notions of authorship and character autonomy, sparking thought-provoking discussions about the role of the author in shaping the worlds and lives within literary works.