We both know the path of the author isn’t an easy one to tread. When you’re plagued by self doubt and lack of time – when you struggle with inspiration, motivation and procrastination – getting to the end of that first draft can feel like crawling your way up a mountain.
In a blizzard. In your underwear. With a rotten banana as your only tool.
And that’s before you’ve even found yourself at the mercy of publishers and their seemingly endless rejection letters.
Or – when your work finds its way into print – the will of the public, whose feedback can put you on top of the world or make you want to hide beneath the parapet and never emerge again.
It’s no walk in the park, that’s for sure – yet for every time you feel like shutting down your word processor for the final time, that spark within you flares… a signal from your creative drive that says don’t give up – this story needs to be told…
That the world needs to hear what you have to say.
The good news is that many a successful writer has felt exactly the same – endured this emotional rollercoaster and, even today, continue to ride it every single time they sit down to write.
And their advice bears listening to. You’re not alone. There is light at the end of the tunnel.
So to turn that frown upside down on this fine Monday, in honor of the battles fought by all our fellow writers, we present a selection of quotes about writing and persistence from authors and other influencers who were driven to succeed against all odds.
Because sometimes a little extra motivation is all you need to get over the slump and let the words flow.
Have a look, fuel up, and let us know what your favorite writing quotes are. Is there a particular writing quote that gets your fires burning and puts you back in the chair when things seem at their worst? Drop it in the comments!
Everything in life is writable about if you have the outgoing guts to do it, and the imagination to improvise. The worst enemy to creativity is self-doubt.
– Sylvia Plath
A writer is someone for whom writing is more difficult than it is for other people.
– Thomas Mann
The scariest moment is always just before you start.
– Stephen King
Don’t listen to people who tell you that very few people get published and you won’t be one of them. Don’t listen to your friend who says you are better than Tolkien and don’t have to try any more. Keep writing, keep faith in the idea that you have unique stories to tell, and tell them.
– Robin Hobb
Writing the last page of the first draft is the most enjoyable moment in writing. It’s one of the most enjoyable moments in life, period.
– Nicholas Sparks
I’ve missed more than 9000 shots in my career. I’ve lost almost 300 games. 26 times, I’ve been trusted to take the game-winning shot and missed. I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.
– Michael Jordan
There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.
– Maya Angelou
Why not go out on a limb? That’s where the fruit is.
– Mark Twain
Most of the important things in the world have been accomplished by people who have kept on trying when there seemed to be no hope at all.
– Dale Carnegie
