Writing Tips from the Pros

In this article from Huffingtonpost.com, there is a collection of quotes from some famous and very successful authors that I found so interesting.  These brilliant writers obviously mastered their craft.  We could learn a lot from them.

Writing Tips: 31 Most Invaluable Pieces Of Writing Advice From Famous Authors

“The worst enemy to creativity is self-doubt.” – Sylvia Plath

ME - How many times do we have an idea and never follow through because we doubt our ability to create something of real importance to anyone else but ourselves?  Self-doubt stifles creativity and can ultimately convince the writer that their words won’t really matter anyway.  And that couldn’t be further from the truth.  Even if you’re writing just for yourself, your words matter.  A lot.

“No tears in the writer, no tears in the reader.  No surprise in the writer, no surprise in the reader.” – Robert Frost

ME - I wholeheartedly agree!  If we the writer don’t feel the emotion in the words we put to paper, we can’t expect the reader to.  Why do we write?  To reach out, to touch, to engage and to inspire others.  The writer has to “get it” before he can “give it”.

“I would advise anyone who aspires to a writing career that before developing his talent, he would be wise to develop a thick hide.” – Harper Lee

ME - Rejection is a fact of life for any writer.  Even the most prolific and successful writers could probably show us boxes full of polite rejection letters before something they wrote was recognized as having enough potential to actually be published.  There are many really creative, talented, insightful writers out there whose words may never be shared with anyone, let alone be published.  And that’s a darn shame.

“The scariest moment is always just before you start.” – Stephen King

ME - Many times I’ve sat at my computer, my fingers poised above the keyboard – and nothing happens.  Not right away.  Other times, if I’m genuinely inspired, I can’t type fast enough.  My brain is working faster than my fingers and I have to really concentrate not to lose that momentum.  The first draft of anything is always very rough, but the important thing is it’s a start.  And you have to start somewhere.

“Writing isn’t about making money, getting famous, getting dates, getting laid, or making friends.  In the end it’s about enriching the lives of those who will read your work, and enriching your own life as well.  It’s about getting up, getting well and getting over.  Getting happy, ok?” – Stephen King

I couldn’t have said it better myself. 

Does writing make you happy?  Leave a comment and share if you wish.

Thanks for visiting!

Brenda  :)