Are you thinking about writing a book, or maybe you're already on your third draft? Let these quotes about writing a book fill you with inspiration. It's always affirming to know that other writers struggle with the same challenges as we do. Also, there is some great advice from famous writers to help you in your process. Happy writing!
Why do we write?
“We write to taste life twice, in the moment and in retrospect.”
― Anais Nin
“If there's a book that you want to read, but it hasn't been written yet, then you must write it.”
― Toni Morrison
“You have to write the book that wants to be written. And if the book will be too difficult for grown-ups, then you write it for children.”
― Madeleine L'Engle
“There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.”
― Maya Angelou
“Write what should not be forgotten.”
― Isabel Allende
Sometimes, writing is hard.
“There is nothing to writing. All you do is sit down at a typewriter and bleed.”
― Ernest Hemingway
"A writer is someone for whom writing is more difficult than it is for other people."
― Thomas Mann
Advice from Famous Writers
“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
“No tears in the writer, no tears in the reader. No surprise in the writer, no surprise in the reader.”
― Robert Frost
“Don't tell me the moon is shining; show me the glint of light on broken glass.”
― Anton Chekhov
“The road to hell is paved with adverbs.”
― Stephen King
“A good book isn't written, it's rewritten.”
― Phyllis A. Whitney
“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. If it's good, you'll find out. If it's not, throw it out of the window.”
― William Faulkner
Sometimes, It's Okay to Break the Rules.
“Learn the rules like a pro, so you can break them like an artist.”
― Pablo Picasso
Let's Get Started!
“Start writing, no matter what. The water does not flow until the faucet is turned on.”
― Louis L'Amour
“You can fix anything but a blank page.”
― Nora Roberts
Looking for more inspiration?
If you enjoyed these quotes about writing a book, try 365 Awesome Story Prompts! You'll find 365 creative writing prompts, setting and character inspiration lists, and tips for getting unstuck. If you prefer a print version with space to write notes and brainstorm, try 365 Awesome Story Prompts: Journal Edition.
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