Friday, August 14, 2015

"Read, read, read, and write, write, write"


I believe when writing to surround myself with quotes that inspire and uplift me. A few of these quotes can apply to a lot of different situations, not just writing a novel.

My number one quote is:

“The Six Golden Rules of Writing: Read, read, read, and write, write, write.”
—Ernest Gaines

I’ve read and heard lectures where successful authors say reading is very important to writing your novel. You learn a lot about writing from reading well written books. Also, editorial styles change, and this is a good way to keep on top of things. For instance, the last two books I read not one semicolon was used. One was published by Avon and the other by Berkley. Is this a new style? It’s certainly worth checking out.

As far as “write, write,write.” If we don’t write, that book we’re dreaming of publishing will never be written.

“It is better to write a bad first draft than to write no first draft at all.”
Will Shetterly

This quote by Will Shetterly, ties in with the first. Get that first draft done, so you can rewrite, edit and submit!

“Serious writers write, inspired or not. Over time they discover that routine is a better friend than inspiration.”
Ralph Keyes

Routine is a necessity for completing any project in a timely manner. Painting the house, planning a trip, finishing an oil painting or writing a novel if you have a routine or schedule it will be easier and quicker to complete your project. Allocate so much time per day, or week dedicated to Your project. If you have a regular schedule, and you stick to it, you will be successful.

After all, you only have to write one page a day for a year and you’ll have a 365 page first draft!

“Perseverance is failing 19 times and succeeding the 20th.”
—Julie Andrews

This quote by Julie Andrews can be applied to submitting a manuscript and having it rejected 19 times, only to be bought on the 20th submission, auditioning on Broadway, same thing. Keep at it.

 “The most important things to remember about back story are that (a) everyone has a history and (b) most of it isn’t very interesting.”
StephenKing

This quote by Stephen King reminds me not to spend too much time on backstory, because a) it’s probably not that interesting to the reader & b) backstory slows your story’s pace.

“The only way to do great work is to love what you do.”
SteveJobs

Anything you do in life should be done with love. If you love writing, you will care about your story, your editing and your style will shine through.

Do you have favorite quotes about life or writing?

13 comments:

Marcia King-Gamble said...

Quotes have always inspired me. Thanks for sharing your favorites.

Also, many publishers have gotten away from the semicolons and colons. I'm told it takes up too much space in the layout process and saving money (in print versions) is what it's all about.

Sarah Raplee said...

Great quotes, Diana!One of my favorites is,
“A writer is someone for whom writing is more difficult than it is for other people.”
― Thomas Mann, Essays of Three Decades

Diana McCollum said...

Thanks for letting us know about colons and semicolons, Marcia! I like your quote, Sarah. Thanks for stopping by.

Z. Minor said...

My favorite quote is;
I don't know the key to success,
but the key to failure is
trying to please everyone.

Another is "Just Do it"

Diana, love your blog as always.
Great information.

Laurie Schnebly Campbell said...

I've always liked the Nora Roberts quote about how she "can fix anything, except a blank page."

Diana McCollum said...

Louise & Laurie thank you for stopping by. Great quotes you've shared!

Judith Ashley said...

I don't really have a favorite quote but I do have a favorite mantra/saying:
Any day I experience a moment of joy is a successful day. This saying reminds me to focus on the joy, the positive experiences of my day instead of the negative ones. I end each day reminding myself what in that day I'm grateful for and that includes my joy.

Diana McCollum said...

I love your mantra, Judith! We should all try and find Joy in everyday. It makes living more significant.

Barbara Rae Robinson said...

An anonymous quote I've had posted on my monitor for years:

In the final analysis what I believe is this: successful writers are successful because they don't quit, they don't make excuses, and they find a system that suits them.

Diana McCollum said...

I totally agree with your quote, Barbara! Thanks for sharing.

Unknown said...

Inspiring, Diana!

Two more, for the nautically minded:

* You can't steer a boat that isn't moving.
-- ANONYMOUS

* A ship in harbor is safe, but that is not what ships are built for.
-- JOHN A SHEDD, 1928, “Salt from My Attic”; a collection of sayings.

Moral: keep moving and producing!



Diana McCollum said...

Thanks for stopping by, Linda! Love the nautical quotes! There are some wonderful up lifting and butt kicking quotes in the universe. So nice of you all to share.

Diana McCollum said...

Thanks for stopping by, Linda! Love the nautical quotes! There are some wonderful up lifting and butt kicking quotes in the universe. So nice of you all to share.