Great Things Writers Have Said

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Another collection of wisdom on writing by writers. I add quotes over time, so revisit this page for more writing quotes.

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Epic Failure Quote

“I think it’s fairly common for writers to be afflicted with two simultaneous yet contradictory delusions, the burning certainty that we’re unique geniuses, and the constant fear that we’re witless frauds who are speeding toward epic failure.” –Scott Lynch from interview here.

Salman Rushdie Quote“And never forget that writing is as close as we get to keeping a hold on the thousand and one things — childhood, certainties, cities, doubts, dreams, instants, phrases, parents, loves — that go on slipping, like sand, through our fingers. ~Salman Rushdie

Stephen Greenblatt quote“The first and perhaps the most important requirement for a successful writing performance — and writing is a performance, like singing an aria or dancing a jig — is to understand the nature of the occasion.” ~Stephen Greenblatt

WriteAtHome: We Teach Writing for You!

Cormac McCarthy Quote“I never had any doubts about my abilities. I knew I could write. I just had to figure out how to eat while doing this.” ~Cormac McCarthy

NoraDeloachWriting is rewriting. Even after you’ve gotten an agent and an editor, you’ll have to rewrite. If you fall in love with the vision you want of your work and not your words, the writing will become easier.”  ~Nora DeLoach

What is good writing?

“Most good writing is clear, vigorous, honest, alive, sensuous, appropriate, unsentimental, rhythmic, without pretension, fresh, metaphorical, evocative in sound, economical, authoritative, surprising, memorable, and light.” ~Ken Macrorie

About the Author

Brian WaskoBrian is the founder and president of WriteAtHome.com. One of his passions is to teach young people how to write better.View all posts by Brian Wasko

  1. Beth Hautala
    Beth Hautala01-26-2013

    Love this post! Thanks for sharing. It’s nice to be reminded that I am not alone in my sentiments—writers before, and writers after me will mark their lives by words. And that’s a lovely thought.

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