"Great writing is great writing. It's as simple as all that"
About this Quote
The second sentence, “It’s as simple as all that,” is doing quiet combat work. In an industry that loves to mystify craft and monetize expertise, Mulgrew’s simplicity is a provocation. She’s stripping away the alibis: the excuse that a project’s flaws are the audience’s fault, or that certain forms (sci-fi, soap, franchise) are inherently lesser. Coming from someone associated with mainstream, historically scrutinized spaces like television, the subtext reads as a defense of the medium and the people who make it. Good writing isn’t a rare orchid that only blooms in “serious” rooms; it’s a standard that can show up anywhere and should be demanded everywhere.
It also doubles as a subtle assertion of authority. Actors are often treated as interpreters, not arbiters, yet Mulgrew’s repetition implies a practiced litmus test: she’s seen enough pages to know that greatness isn’t a vibe. It’s craft you can feel in the body.
Quote Details
| Topic | Writing |
|---|---|
| Source | Help us find the source |
| Cite | Cite this Quote |
Citation Formats
APA Style (7th ed.)
Mulgrew, Kate. (n.d.). Great writing is great writing. It's as simple as all that. FixQuotes. https://fixquotes.com/quotes/great-writing-is-great-writing-its-as-simple-as-122725/
Chicago Style
Mulgrew, Kate. "Great writing is great writing. It's as simple as all that." FixQuotes. Accessed February 2, 2026. https://fixquotes.com/quotes/great-writing-is-great-writing-its-as-simple-as-122725/.
MLA Style (9th ed.)
"Great writing is great writing. It's as simple as all that." FixQuotes, https://fixquotes.com/quotes/great-writing-is-great-writing-its-as-simple-as-122725/. Accessed 2 Feb. 2026.


