Three Quotes for Writers to Live By (WWT)

As a writer, it is almost inevitable that something will happen in your life that makes you stop writing either temporarily or permanently. Whether it’s a rejection from a publisher, harsh criticism, loss of faith in your work, or even the dreaded writer’s block.

When these times hit, it can be hard to dig deep to keep going. And sometimes, you need a reminder to keep going.

This week for WWT, I would like to do something different.

This week, I will be sharing three writing quotes that I believe all writers need to hear.

 

Quote #1

We are all apprentices in a craft where no one ever becomes a master. – Ernest Hemingway

When we first set out writing, we all crave something. We want to be great, to live up to our own expectations, to master the craft that we have chosen to invest our time and lives in.

So it isn’t surprising that when we don’t feel like we have achieved this, it can get to us. And for some, it stops us from continuing.

I chose to include this quote because, for me at least, it represents the truth of being a writer.  It is an ever-changing craft that you constantly have to keep learning. If you do ever feel like giving up, especially if you are only just penning your first piece, just remember that you can do it. Just stick with it because that determination will show in your work.

 

Quote #2

When writing a novel a writer should create living people; people, not characters. A character is a caricature.  – Ernest Hemingway

Have you ever read a story and one or more of the characters just felt flat? Did they feel like nothing more than a shell or a doll?

Unfortunately, it can be easy to write characters into your story and have them feel like that. Background characters are usually the poor victims here.

When writing a character, you need to keep in mind that this person needs to feel realistic. Even if it is just a background character that has literally no dialogue and is on the page for a few lines. They all need to feel real. Or as this quote says, they need to feel like living people.

 

Quote #3

The greatest part of a writer’s time is spent in reading, in order to write; a man will turn over half a library to make one book. – Samuel Johnson

What I love about this quote is just how true and honest it is.

If you are struggling with your writing, you don’t know where to take the story or how to make your characters feel more alive, take the time to read.

Ideally, read a book in the same genre as what you are trying to write in. This way not only do you get to relax and enjoy yourself, but you are also researching and giving your mind a chance to come up with that perfect idea for your work.