This week, we are going to explore the art and craft of writing. We'll draw on some advice from experts in the field and hope to respond to some questions and comments that have been directed our way over the last several months.
Today, we'll explore some quotes from some famous authors and writers—writing advice from the experts (part 1).
Some of the best advice for today's writers comes from those who have not only experienced their own success, but are also able to offer advice thanks to that experience.
How about we draw from such a brain trust?
Personally, while most of what follows is solid information, I nevertheless reject some of the advice given. Same goes with a few of the quotations that we'll include later in the week.
But the key is: it may work for you.
"One must be drenched in words, literally soaked in them, to have the right ones form themselves into the proper pattern at the right moment."
On Writing Well
"Show don’t tell." – Henry James
"Don’t say the old lady screamed—bring her on and let her scream." – Mark Twain
"Cut out all those exclamation marks. An exclamation mark is like laughing at your own joke." – F. Scott Fitzgerald
"First drafts are for learning what your novel or story is about." – Bernard Malamud
"Usually, when people get to the end of a chapter, they close the book and go to sleep. I deliberately write a book so when the reader gets to the end of the chapter, he or she must turn one more page. When people tell me I’ve kept them up all night, I feel like I’ve succeeded." – Sidney Sheldon
"Don’t mistake a good setup for a satisfying conclusion — many beginning writers end their stories when the real story is just ready to begin." – Stanley Schmidt
On Inspiration
"Nighttime is really the best time to work. All the ideas are there to be yours because everyone else is asleep." – Catherine O’Hara
"I know writers who write only when inspiration comes. How would Isaac Stern play if he played the violin only when he felt like it? He would be lousy." – Madeleine L’Engle
"If you wait for inspiration, you’re not a writer, but a waiter." – Anonymous
"You can’t wait for inspiration. You have to go after it with a club." – Jack London
"The best way to become a successful writer is to read good writing, remember it, and then forget where you remember it from." – Gene Fowler
"Read, read, read. Read everything—trash, classics, good and bad, and see how they do it. Just like a carpenter who works as an apprentice and studies the master. Read! You’ll absorb it. Then write." – William Faulkner
"The best time for planning a book is while you’re doing the dishes." – Agatha Christie
"So this is always the key: you have to write the book you love, the book that’s alive in your heart. That’s the one you have to write." – Lurleen McDaniel
Later this week, in the second part in this series, we will look at a few words of wisdom from authors regarding writer's block, motivation, and editing skills.
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.
