Elvira’s 10 Favorite Writing Quotes and Reflections
Elvira’s 10 Favorite Writing Quotes
- “Start writing, no matter what. The water does not flow until the faucet is turned on.”
Louis L’ Amour”
This quote motivates me to write. I’m reminded that I am not a writer if I am not writing.
The key words here are “no matter what.” Writing needs to be central, even as life events unfold. In addition, nothing happens without first writing. After that, everything flows.
- “And now that you don’t have to be perfect, you can be good.”
John Steinbeck
Perfection is something I've learned to let go of long ago because, truthfully, nothing is ever really perfect. I can come back to my writing over and over again and find something to improve. Besides, perfection is an ideal and can be stifling.
- “If you want to be a writer, you must do two things above all others: read a lot, and write a lot.”
Stephen King
This quote speaks to me loudly, as it is a reminder to read, although I’m not stuck on the degree. The fact that I am writing is good enough for me.
- “Waiting for inspiration makes one a “waiter”, not a writer.”
Dan Poynter
Aside from being inspirational, this quote is hilarious.
I set aside some time to write and do not wait for inspiration. If I did, I wouldn’t write at all. However, that doesn’t mean I don’t receive inspiration before writing. Inspiration can come at any given time, sometimes before, during, and even after writing.
- “Writing is an exploration.”
E.L. Doctorow
I can relate to this quote. Writing is mysterious, and I never know where it takes me. It’s fun and adventurous, it’s new, it’s emotional. So, the journey itself is an exploration.
- “Imagination is the beginning of creation.”
George Bernard Shaw
I find this quote deeply motivating, as the imagination allows me to create.
According to Albert Einstein, imagination is everything and is a “preview of life’s coming attractions.”
“Writing is easy. All you have to do is cross out the wrong words.”
Mark Twain
Another funny quote.
I wouldn’t say writing is easy, but it gets easier once you start writing. After that, you revise multiple times and delete words and phrases that are unnecessary until you get it right.
- “Write what should not be forgotten. “
Isabel Allende
This quote motivates me to write what is important, and that’s not to diminish other types of writing. The fact that a story is told is worthy in and of itself.
- “The beautiful part of writing is that you don’t have to get it right the first time, unlike, say, a brain surgeon.”
Robert Cormier
Ah, the beauty of writing.
It’s true what Cormier is saying, and for that reason, I don’t worry about my writing. A draft isn’t supposed to be perfect; it’s the revision that does that, or the feedback from others, which should be infrequent.
- “Writing is a calling, not a choice.”
Isabel Allende
I never perceived writing as a calling, but this is a big motivator for me.
Writing may have called me a few times in life, but I never responded, at least not professionally. I suppose during the pandemic, I had no other choice but to write. Schools were closed, and I could no longer teach. What else could I have done besides cleaning, cooking, and reorganizing my home?
A calling is living with purpose, and that’s what I’m doing right now.
- “Write. Rewrite. When not writing or rewriting, read. I know of no shortcuts.”
Larry L. King
This quote resonates with me because two of its ingredients (writing and rewriting) are part of the writing process and are what I do. It is also, as mentioned above, a reminder that reading is necessary to the writing craft, so I incorporate it into my routine when I’m free.
Although I have collected others, these quotes have motivated me to write. Whenever I turn to them, I receive new levels of inspiration. What are some of your favorite quotes? How do they motivate you?”
Thanks for reading,
Elvira