July 16, 2009

Time Out: Writing Quotes and Tips for Writers

I figured you could use a break from all the posts about my writing. I found some good writing quotes that made my day. I thought I'd share them with you.

"Convince yourself that you are working in clay, not marble, on paper, not eternal bronze: let that first sentence be as stupid as it wishes. No one will rush out and print it as it stands." Jacques Barzun

"It is perfectly okay to write garbage--as long as you edit brilliantly." C.J. Cherryh

"Writing is rewriting. A writer must learn to deepen characters, trim writing, intensify scenes. To fall in love with a first draft to the point where one cannot change it is to greatly enhance the prospects of never publishing." Richard North Patterson

"The difference between the right word and the almost right word is the difference between lightning and the lightning bug." Mark Twain


And I also found some blogposts and other nice resources that may help you.

What Keeps Readers--And Agents--Reading

From the Offer to the Bookstore - a published author describes the process of getting a book published from the time she gets an offer until it's published and on the shelf.

Edit Ruthlessly - a great lesson on the economy of words from Elana Roth, an agent at Caren Johnson Literary Agency

Writing and Mothering: How I (sort of) Do Both by Shannon Hale. Very good advice for finding balance between writing and living.

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