Writing a Novel Is Like Driving at Night

I’ve always found this writing quote from E. L. Doctorow inspiring: “Writing a novel is like driving a car at night. You can only see as far as your headlights, but you can make the whole trip that way.”

Comparing Yourself to Other Writers

If you are striving to be a better writer, this is great advice: “The only writer to whom you should compare yourself is the writer you were yesterday.” —David Schlosser

Start Writing, No Matter What

Every day that you put off writing because you are too busy or don’t feel inspired, remember this practical advice: “Start writing, no matter what. The water does not flow until the faucet is turned on.” —Louis L’Amour

Great Stories in Everyday Life

Writing inspiration to start the week from author Orson Scott Card: “Everybody walks past a thousand story ideas every day. The good writers are the ones who see five or six. Most people don’t see any.” —Orson Scott Card

For My Fellow Night Owls

To my writer friends and fellow night owls who do their best work when the stars are twinkling overhead, this quote is for you: “I’ve always liked the late night hours because there’s no one around to remind me who I’m supposed to be, so it’s easier to remember who I am.”

Some People Dream, Others Act

A great bit of writing inspiration…but I am soooo sleepy today! “Some men dream of worthy accomplishments, while others stay awake and do them.” —Anonymous

Writing Is Easy!

When you are writing a first draft and it just doesn’t read right, here’s a bit of wisdom from Mark Twain (ah, if only it were truly this easy!) “Writing is easy. All you have to do is cross out the wrong words.” —Mark Twain

You Can’t Edit a Blank Page

Here’s some practical advice to help my writer friends get the week off to a good start: “You might not write well every day, but you can always edit a bad page. You can’t edit a blank page.” —Jodi Picoult

Helpful Tip on Self-Editing

Here’s a helpful insight for writers who self-edit, and what you should expect from an editor if you decide to hire one: “You write to communicate to the hearts and minds of others what’s burning inside of you, and we edit to let the fire show through the smoke.” —Arthur Plotnik