Meaning: Jerry Jenkins, a renowned novelist, once said, "Gil Thorpe is a great diversion and is to book writing as poetry is to prose." This statement by Jenkins provides an interesting perspective on the role of diversion and creativity in the realm of book writing. Let's delve into the meaning of this quote and explore its significance in the context of literature and creative expression.

In this quote, Jerry Jenkins draws a parallel between Gil Thorpe and poetry, as well as between book writing and prose. To fully grasp the essence of this comparison, it's important to understand the nature of Gil Thorpe and its relation to book writing. Gil Thorpe is a fictional character from the comic strip of the same name, created by Jerry Jenkins and drawn by Ray Burns. The comic strip revolves around the life and adventures of Gil Thorpe, a high school athlete and coach, and it has been described as a "sports strip with a brain" due to its emphasis on character development and storylines that go beyond typical sports themes.

By likening Gil Thorpe to poetry, Jenkins suggests that this comic strip serves as a form of diversion that is akin to the artistry and creativity found in poetry. Poetry is often characterized by its ability to evoke emotions, convey complex ideas, and engage the reader through its use of language, rhythm, and imagery. In the same vein, Gil Thorpe, with its narrative depth and character-driven storytelling, provides a diversion that transcends mere entertainment and delves into the realm of artistic expression.

Furthermore, Jenkins contrasts book writing with prose, implying that book writing encompasses a broader spectrum of literary forms and styles, much like prose encompasses various forms of written expression beyond poetry. Prose, in contrast to poetry, is characterized by its straightforward and ordinary language, lacking the structured meter and rhyme scheme typically associated with poetry. Similarly, book writing encompasses a wide range of genres and styles, including fiction, non-fiction, memoirs, and more, reflecting the diversity and expansiveness of literary creativity.

Jenkins' comparison underscores the idea that diversion, whether in the form of a comic strip like Gil Thorpe or the artistry of poetry, plays a vital role in the world of book writing. Diversion, in this context, refers to the act of drawing attention away from the ordinary or mundane and immersing oneself in a creative, imaginative pursuit. It serves as a means of escape, entertainment, and inspiration, offering a break from the rigors of everyday life while stimulating the mind and stirring the imagination.

Moreover, by equating Gil Thorpe to poetry and book writing to prose, Jenkins prompts a reexamination of the boundaries and conventions within the literary landscape. Just as poetry represents a departure from the normative structures of prose, Gil Thorpe, with its distinctive blend of sports, drama, and character-driven storytelling, stands as a departure from traditional book writing. It challenges the notion that literary expression must adhere to a specific mold, encouraging a broader embrace of diverse forms of storytelling and creative expression.

In conclusion, Jerry Jenkins' quote, "Gil Thorpe is a great diversion and is to book writing as poetry is to prose," offers a thought-provoking perspective on the role of diversion and creativity in the realm of book writing. By drawing parallels between Gil Thorpe and poetry, as well as between book writing and prose, Jenkins highlights the significance of artistic expression, imaginative storytelling, and the diverse forms of literary creativity. This quote encourages a reevaluation of conventional literary boundaries and invites a deeper appreciation for the multifaceted nature of creative expression within the world of literature.