In today's second installation of "writing advice from the experts," we'll take a look at what these folks have to say about editing, writer's block, motivation, and humility.
(We sent out Part 1 on Monday. Respond to this email if you didn't receive that one and we'll send it to you.)
There are many books that provide tips and guidance for publishing success, but we often don't have the time or the patience to read the hundreds of pages required.
With that in mind, this series of emails will take you directly to a trusted source of wisdom: established authors. Our hope is that such experiences of these experts can and will assist you in your own writing objectives.
"The most valuable of talents is never using two words when one will do."
On Editing
"There is but one art, to omit!" – Robert Louis Stevenson
"A sentence should contain no unnecessary words, a paragraph no unnecessary sentences, for the same reason that a drawing should have no unnecessary lines and a machine no unnecessary parts." – William Strunk, Jr., from The Elements of Style
"My most important piece of advice to all you would-be writers: when you write, try to leave out all the parts readers skip." – Elmore Leonard
"The great art of writing is knowing when to stop." – Josh Billings
"As to the adjective, when in doubt, strike it out." — Mark Twain
"When rewriting, move quickly. It’s a little like cutting your own hair." – Robert Stone
"Put it before them briefly so they will read it, clearly so they will appreciate it, picturesquely so they will remember it and, above all, accurately so they will be guided by its light." – Joseph Pulitzer
On Writers Block
"If you are in difficulties with a book, try the element of surprise: attack it an hour when it isn’t expecting it." – H. G. Wells
On Motivation
"Better to write for yourself and have no public, than to write for the public and have no self." – Cyril Connolly
"The most original thing a writer can do is write like himself. It is also the most difficult task." – Robertson Davies
"If you wish to be a writer, write." – Epictetus
"Talent is helpful in writing, but guts are absolutely essential." – Jessamyn West
"You write about the thing that sank its teeth into you and wouldn’t let go." – Paul West
On Humility
"Young writers should be encouraged to write, and discouraged from thinking they are writers." – Wallace Stegner
In a couple days, for the third and final part in this series, we will look at a few words of wisdom from authors about naming of your work, learning from the success (and failure) of other writers, and the inner struggles authors often face.
As always,
Brian
P.S. – If you are a writer and looking to hone your craft, we may be able to help. Book a FREE "Warp-speed consult" with us and see if we a proper match. If you qualify for our services, we will be happy to work together with you.
P.P.S. – Having mentioned Thomas Jefferson at the top of this email, I recently discovered that I am a distant relative of his. (Key word distant: He was the father-in-law of a sibling of one of my direct ancestors.) I did not know this before writing this email.
In this research, on an different side of my genealogy, one of my direct ancestors was a cousin of Daniel Boone. Imagine my surprise. Turns out, I wrote a short e-book about some people who were possibly my relatives.
Mind blown.
For the free e-book:
