Once a week I'll supply you with a quote to encourage you in your writing life. They come from a variety of sources; I consider them all quotes for writers, even when they aren't obviously about writing. For example, today's from Roman poet Decimius Magnus Ausonius (frequently referred to simply as Ausonius), is meant as a gentle nudge to just get started on your … [Read more...]
Writing Quotes: Three Things You Need to Succeed as a Writer
Once a week I'll supply you with a quote to encourage you in your writing efforts. The quotes will come from a variety of sources; I consider them all quotes for writers, even when they aren't obviously about writing. No doubt a modern writer can relate to this one, as this powerful trio will help you succeed as a writer. Curiosity, coffee, and chocolate: three … [Read more...]
Writing Quotes: Ursula Le Guin on Adjectives and Adverbs
Once a week I'll supply you with a quotation to encourage you in your writing life. I consider them all quotes for writers, even when they aren't obviously about writing. Today's comes from Ursula Le Guin, as she cautions us to avoid overindulging. Adjectives and adverbs are rich and good and fattening. The main thing is not to overindulge. — Ursula … [Read more...]
Writing Quotes: Pat Conroy on All English Words
"My well-used dictionaries and thesauri sing out to me when I write, and all English words are the plainsong of my many-tongued, long-winded ancestors who spoke before me." — Pat Conroy, Why I Write Source: Thompson, Mary Ellen. "A Conversation with Pat Conroy." Beaufort Lifestyle Magazine. Independence Day Publishing, 6 Oct. 2015. Web. 16 Oct. … [Read more...]
Writing Quotes: Ursula Le Guin on Semicolons
From p. 34 of Steering the Craft: Exercises and Discussions on Story Writing for the Lone Navigator or the Mutinous Crew, by Ursula K. Le Guin (updated and available in a new edition: Steering the Craft: A Twenty-First-Century Guide to Sailing the Sea of Story). … [Read more...]
Stir Our Minds Thoroughly
An entry in the classic devotional My Utmost for His Highest offers a writerly application. From My Utmost for His Highest (December 15) If you cannot express yourself well on each of your beliefs, work and study until you can. If you don’t, other people may miss out on the blessings that come from knowing the truth. Strive to re-express a truth of God to yourself … [Read more...]