Google the phrase, “Writing is
like…” and you get pages of insights from all across the board.
Writing is like building a
bridge while you’re on it. Writing is like giving yourself homework. Writing is
like a sport… prostitution… sex.
But what is writing really like
to real writers, the ones who have been successful enough for us to know their
names?
Today I am passing on the wisdom
of others, fellows actually on the writing path.
“If you are not a reader, don’t
even think about writing.”
~Jean Auel
“There is a certain degree of
faith required in writing fiction… You have to take a deep breath, let go of
your usual control, and then begin walking in the dark.”
~Elizabeth Berg
~Ray
Bradbury
~James Lee Burke
“Two questions form the
foundation of all novels: ‘What if?’ and ‘What next?’”
~Tom Clancy
~Steven King
“You can’t wait for inspiration.
You have to go after it with a club.”
~Jack London
And a special favorite of mine:
“Find a subject you care about
and which you in your heart feel others should care about. It is this genuine
caring, not your games with language, which will be the most compelling and
seductive element in your style.”
~Kurt
Vonnegut
Do you have any favorite quotes
about the writing path?
Check out
more blogs by Mollie Hunt, Cat Writer at:
Happy
reading!
Well Mollie, you may wonder what took me so long to get here to comment. I was inspired by your blog to go to Pinterest and find some writer quotes. You probably know what happened to me then--yep, got kinda deep into the research. You know how it is when a writer hears what the kindred have to say on a subject that is addictive. So, I apologize for being late, but I did find some quotes I could really relate to.
ReplyDeleteHere is my favorite:
"A non-writing writer is a monster courting insanity." Frank Kafta
Well that explains why some of us act a little crazy.
"The first thing that distinguishes a writer is that he is most alive when alone." Martin Amos
My family and tiny circle of friends can vouch for this one.
And I think this one most of us can really relate to:
"You know you're a writer when you have dozens of notebooks, some filled, some blank, but you can't stop buying more...just in case." Unknown
I know that last one is true. I have stacks of notebooks filled and empty, and still buying. Do you think they have a 12 step recovery program for writers?
Loved the blog, Molly!
Sarah, those are wonderful additions to the list, with a special nod to the collecting of notebooks. And no, I don't think there would be a 12-step program for writers since recovery is based on the desire to recover, and none of the writers I know want to change one bit.
DeleteMollie,
ReplyDeleteI have many favorite writing quotes, but my Number One is from Robert Heinlein. "Writing is not necessarily something to be ashamed of, but do it in private and wash your hands afterwards."
That sounds like Heinlein!
DeleteI have so many. Here are two of my favorites:
ReplyDelete“Don't tell me the moon is shining; show me the glint of light on broken glass.”
― Anton Chekhov
“There is no real ending. It’s just the place where you stop the story.”
― Frank Herbert