21 Harsh But Eye-Opening Writing Tips

[Carol Rose]

I love finding quotes like these. Not because we're obligated to take any or all of them as gospel truth, but because they give us a sneak peek into the minds of some of the greatest writers in the world. And, because somewhere in them, is a kernel of truth each of us needs for motivation.

21 Harsh But Eye-Opening Writing Tips From Great Authors

 

[Katie-Ellen]

Yes I would still want to finish it if I had a terminal diagnosis. Totally agree re phrases, sticking with Anglo Saxon, avoiding Latin-esque.

 

[Rich.]

My favourite is Jack London at number 6:

You can’t wait for inspiration. You have to go after it with a club.

 

[MaryA]

My favourite.

9. If you don’t have time to read, you don’t have the time — or the tools — to write. Simple as that. – Stephen King

 

[Robinne Weiss]

My favourite, particularly the bold portion. I've finally learned that if something about a piece of writing nags me or just doesn't quite click, it's not going to click for the readers, and if I'm really open and honest with myself, I can usually work out what's wrong (of course, a good beta reader can work out what's wrong in less than half the time, so I also cultivate those).

11. Imagine that you are dying. If you had a terminal disease would you finish this book? Why not? The thing that annoys this 10-weeks-to-live self is the thing that is wrong with the book. So change it. Stop arguing with yourself. Change it. See? Easy. And no one had to die. – Anne Enright

 

[Geoff]

I like . There are three rules for writing a novel. Unfortunately, no one knows what they are. ― W. Somerset Maugham

 

[Carol Rose]

My favourite.

9. If you don’t have time to read, you don’t have the time — or the tools — to write. Simple as that. – Stephen King

I agree. I've always loved that quote, and I agree with him 100%.

 

[Jay Aitch]

18. Start telling the stories that only you can tell, because there’ll always be better writers than you and there’ll always be smarter writers than you. There will always be people who are much better at doing this or doing that — but you are the only you. ― Neil Gaiman

This for me is the most optimistic and hopeful statement about writing. The others are sobering, levelling, funny and honest. This one inspires.