“I spent most of my life feeling as if I was the only one feeling or thinking a certain way, but writing allowed me to see that I wasn’t alone in those ideas. Whenever I hear from others about how my writing has impacted, comforted, or supported them, it makes me feel even more empowered to keep goin…”— Lacey Ramburger, writingcooperative.com
“Vindictiveness is not a great place to be writing from; are you motivated by the drive to write a great book, or a wish to punish someone or absolve yourself from blame?”— Elisa Gabbert, electricliterature.com
“The job of memoir is not the job of journalism. There is no pretense of 'objective memoir.'”— Sara Benincasa, medium.com
“I feel like the biggest battle writers face is slogging through when the work isn't flowing, when it's hard, when we're unsure. It's so easy to say, 'Oh, well, the mojo ain't there today,' and quit. But even 500 words is more than 0. You've just got to push through.”— Delilah S. Dawson, twitter.com
“So the point of a writing schedule is to hold you accountable on those days when the writing isn't easy. You don't need a schedule to be a consistent writer. You don't need a calendar with stickers. You just have to figure out what works for *you*. Whatever works=your process.”— Delilah S. Dawson, twitter.com
“Your job is to write the best book you can. Period. Every time. Don't 'save' anything for later. Don't leave anything on the mat. If the idea sweeps you up in its fury, ride the dang wave.”— Delilah S. Dawson, twitter.com
“I worry for people whose first book is a wild success. What happens when you have a book that doesn't receive that attention? When you're suddenly not the belle of the ball? It's hard to fall from grace. You've got to be realistic + love the writing + know it's not all you.”— Delilah S. Dawson, twitter.com
“Your career isn't over until you stop writing. If your book flops, if they drop your contract, if they don't buy your next book-- it's not over. Pick a pseudonym, switch genres, self-publish, hybridize. It's not over until you are.”— Delilah S. Dawson, twitter.com
“The really important point here is that your debut book/series/year DOES NOT PREDICT YOUR CAREER. It's not any indicator of future success. Publishers know and understand this. Just keep writing the best books you can. Keep innovating without fear. Keep that hope.”— Delilah S. Dawson, twitter.com
“On writing Start the scene off-topic. So that the scene’s essence is a reveal, a surprise. Use distraction as gift wrapping, a treasure box.”— Quiara Alegría Hudes, twitter.com
“Move that pen & don’t pause to question what the fuck you’re doing. Write in your dreams, on the subway, as you walk (1 day you may wake up too beaten down to throw your heart to the wolves anymore). So don’t waste the energized, purposeful times This very second, run don’t walk! Go! Write!”— Quiara Alegría Hudes, twitter.com
“One of the most valuable things I learned as a writer is to be open to make changes to your work. I can tell you that every single editor I have had has made my essays or articles better. They’ve brought things out in me that I didn’t know were there.”— Keah Brown, twitter.com
“It just needs to be done, so I can say I’ve accomplished something today.”— Katie Heaney, thecut.com
“I’m not usually one for aphorisms, but I think as writers we all worry we’re doing it wrong. However you get there is how you get there. And to those struggling to fit writing into an already too-busy, too-stressful life, you have all my love and admiration.”— Kiersten White, twitter.com
“The right way to write is whenever and however you can. I’m proud of you for working to figure out how to create and craft your stories. You got this.”— Kiersten White, twitter.com
“Which just goes to show that rejections aren't necessarily a reflection on the quality of your work. Not everyone will connect with your story or style, even if your book is sellable.”— Heidi Heilig, twitter.com
“This is why I stress to new theatre writers - making a living off writing isn’t the same as being a writer who makes good work. Aiming for the latter rather and not having the former isn’t a failure. Whatever setup lets you make work you want & not torch your life is the ideal.”— Vinay Patel, twitter.com
“Reminder to writers who think their book sucks: This is normal — push through it. Insecurity is part of the process. Only bad writers think they’re good.”— Harlan Coben, twitter.com
“I’m hearing from lots of aspiring writers, and I just want to remind you that what you see is oftentimes a highlight reel. What someone reveals on social media can still be sincere, but it is curated. Nothing is overnight. Nothing is guaranteed. I 100% understand how the dream of being a bestseller,…”— Roshani Chokshi, twitter.com
“I’m not usually one for aphorisms, but I think as writers we all worry we’re doing it wrong. However you get there is how you get there. And to those struggling to fit writing into an already too-busy, too-stressful life, you have all my love and admiration.”— Kiersten White, twitter.com