Quotes on “writing”

The decision to kiss for the first time is the most crucial in any love story. It changes the relationship of two people much more strongly than even the final surrender; because this kiss already has within it that surrender.

My most important piece of advice to all you would-be writers: When you write, try to leave out all the parts readers skip.

You know, it's hard work to write a book. I can't tell you how many times I really get going on an idea, then my quill breaks. Or I spill ink all over my writing tunic.

Write only if you cannot live without writing. Write only what you alone can write.

The reason that fiction is more interesting than any other form of literature, to those who really like to study people, is that in fiction the author can really tell the truth without humiliating himself.

I write to find out what I'm talking about.

A short story must have a single mood and every sentence must build towards it.

How do I know what I think until I see what I say?

Writing is a socially acceptable form of schizophrenia.

All that I hope to say in books, all that I ever hope to say, is that I love the world.

Writing is an act of faith, not a trick of grammar.

Writing is both mask and unveiling.

A good poem is a contribution to reality. The world is never the same once a good poem has been added to it. A good poem helps to change the shape of the universe, helps to extend everyone's knowledge of himself and the world around him.

I love deadlines. I love the whooshing noise they make as they go by.

I hate writing, I love having written.

If you have any young friends who aspire to become writers, the second greatest favor you can do them is to present them with copies of The Elements of Style. The first greatest, of course, is to shoot them now, while they’re happy.

Nothing's a better cure for writer's block than to eat ice cream right out of the carton.

Perhaps if I make myself write I shall find out what is wrong with me.