We all find inspiration in different places. Sometimes, when I fail to become inspired by a walk, swim or good book, I look to other writers. Their advice, their commiseration and their tips often ptovide what I’m looking for.
I’d like to share some of my favorite writing quotes with you:
There’s no such thing as writer’s block. That was invented by people in California who couldn’t write.- Terry Pratchett
Writing is the only profession where no one considers you ridiculous if you earn no money. -Jules Renard
People on the outside think there’s something magical about writing, that you go up in the attic at midnight and cast the bones and come down in the morning with a story, but it isn’t like that. You sit in back of the typewriter and you work, and that’s all there is to it. – Harlan Ellison
If the doctor told me I had six minutes to live, I’d type a little faster. -Isaac Asimov
Writing is a struggle against silence. ~Carlos Fuentes
I never want to see anyone, and I never want to go anywhere or do anything. I just want to write. -P. G. Wodehouse
The faster I write the better my output. If I’m going slow, I’m in trouble. It means I’m pushing the words instead of being pulled by them. -Raymond Chandler
The secret of becoming a writer is to write, write and keep on writing. -Ken MacLeod
A writer doesn’t solve problems. He allows them to emerge. -Friedrich Dürrenmatt
Writing for a penny a word is ridiculous. If a man wanted to make a million dollars, the best way would be to start his own religion. -L. Ron Hubbard
Don’t explain why it works; explain how you use it. – Steven Brust
The role of a writer is not to say what we all can say, but what we are unable to say. -Anaïs Nin
Substitute “damn” every time you’re inclined to write “very;” your editor will delete it and the writing will be just as it should be. ~Mark Twain
If I had to give young writers advice, I would say don’t listen to writers talking about writing or themselves. – Lillian Hellman
Anybody can make history. Only a great man can write it.- Oscar Wilde
There are two kinds of writer: those that make you think, and those that make you wonder.- Brian Aldiss
You don’t write because you want to say something’ you write because you’ve got something to say.
~ F. Scott Fitzgerald
“If at first you don’t succeed, destroy all evidence that you tried.” –Susan Ohanian
Image: AllPosters.com
Great post, Deb! I really enjoy quotes and these were all wonderful!
“We all find inspiration in different places. Sometimes, when I fail to become inspired by a walk, swim or good book, I look to other writers.”
Excellent advice! Just yesterday, I was struggling with a post that was going slowly and I wasn’t really writing from my heart. Talking with another blogger and getting her perspective really inspired me and freed me up to write what I wanted/needed to say.
I’m glad you like the quotes. There are so many great words of wisdom but greats in this business – I like throwing them out there once in a while.
Well, that’s it for me. I’m off to start my own religion. It’s been nice knowing you all.
Great quotes. I`m a bit of a fanatic when it comes to quotes . . . I could read them all day long.
@Skippy: I also loved that one!
Deb, these were great and well times. I’ve been really struggling this week for the motivation to write even short blog posts.
Deb you have some wonderful quotes and your site is great. I enjoy visiting it often.
However, you need to re-think your sources: The relgious quote is George Orwell’s. the author of 1984, which makes more sense he’d say it.
L. Ron Hubbard is one of the great pulp fiction writers, was a screenwriter during the Golden Age of Hollywood.
He made a come back with a New York Times bestseller Battlefield Earth in 1980 and later the Mission Earth 10 volume bestseller, eleven consecutive New York Times bestselling author. Although he has passed away, his work is still read worldwide and he has the guiness book of world records for the most translated works.
@Kenna – L.Ron Hubbard also started his own religion which is why I thought the comment was so much fun.
Kenna,
L. Ron Hubbard is the founder of Scientology.
i also think that that comment is fun, but it can’t possibly be true.
Yes,it’s a fun quote but still it belongs to George. I thought we should give good old George the credit he deserves.