writer’s wisdom

Never stop when you are stuck. You may not be able to solve the problem, but turn aside and write something else. Do not stop altogether. ~ Jeanette Winterson

Source

I tell everyone who asks me about writing…almost everyone has an idea for a book, and some even have a great ending, but it’s that 290 or so pages in between that are tough!” ― Brooklyn Hudson

Try Something New.

In the new year, resolve to try something new with your writing process. Do you always write at night? Try writing first thing in the morning. Do you always outline? Try drafting a scene without one. If you ever feel stuck, trying something new is a great way to work your mind around writer’s block. The more tips and tools you have at your disposal, the easier your writing process will become.

Source

“Keep working. Keep trying. Keep believing. You still might not make it, but at least you gave it your best shot. If you don’t have calluses on your soul, this isn’t for you. Take up knitting instead.” ― David Eddings

“Prefer the familiar word to the far-fetched. Prefer the concrete word to the abstract. Prefer the single word to the circumlocution. Prefer the short word to the long. Prefer the Saxon word to the Romance.” ― Henry Fowler

Goodreads

Let your characters lead when you’re dancing together.” ― Caron Kamps Widden

Goodreads

“But if you don’t understand that story is character and not just idea, you will not be able to breathe life into even the most intriguing flash of inspiration.” 

― Elizabeth George

Goodreads

“In the journal I do not just express myself more openly than I could to any person; I create myself.The journal is a vehicle for my sense of selfhood. It represents me as emotionally and spiritually independent. Therefore (alas) it does not simply record my actual, daily life but rather — in many cases — offers an alternative to it.” —Susan Sontag

Source

“There’s no rule for better writing. It’s best to make your own rules, and see what works best for you.” ― Tarang Sinha

Goodreads

“Keep a notebook. Travel with it, eat with it, sleep with it. Slap into it every stray thought that flutters up into your brain. Cheap paper is less perishable than gray matter. And lead pencil markings endure longer than memory.” —Jack London