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

by Diana McCollum

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?