Writing Quotes - Page 15

That element of surprise is what I look for when I am writing. It is my way of judging what I am doing - which is never an easy thing to do.

In this poor body, composed of one hundred bones and nine openings, is something called spirit, a flimsy curtain swept this way and that by the slightest breeze. It is spirit, such as it is, which led me to poetry, at first little more than a pastime, then the full business of my life. There have been times when my spirit, so dejected, almost gave up the quest, other times when it was proud, triumphant. So it has been from the very start, never finding peace with itself, always doubting the worth of what it makes.

There is no time in modern agriculture for a farmer to write a poem or compose a song

I always treated writing as a profession, never as a hobby. If you don't believe in yourself, no one else will.

The profession of book writing makes horse racing seem like a solid, stable business.

I loved you like a man loves a woman he never touches, only writes to, keeps little photographs of.

The more circumspectly you delay writing down an idea, the more maturely developed it will be on surrendering itself.

I don't write polite letters. I don't like to plea-bargain. I like to fight.

If you can see the handwriting on the wall... you're on the toilet.

Here is a lesson in creative writing. First rule: Do not use semicolons. They are transvestite hermaphrodites representing absolutely nothing. All they do is show you've been to college.

The most important thing for me is that I've used my talents as a writer to enable the Ogoni people to confront their tormentors. I was not able to do it as a politician or a businessman. My writing did it. And it sure makes me feel good! I'm mentally prepared for the worst, but hopeful for the best. I think I have the moral victory.

I can’t write five words but that I change seven.

We write our own destiny ...we become what we do.

One should never criticize his own work except in a fresh and hopeful mood. The self-criticism of a tired mind is suicide.

Who often, but without success, have prayed for apt Alliteration's artful aid.

Poetry is a packsack of invisible keepsakes.

Of all the ways of acquiring books, writing them oneself is regarded as the most praiseworthy method.

Kids, fiction is the truth inside the lie, and the truth of this fiction is simple enough: the magic exists.

To win the trophy of enchanting grace: Ranks of Carnations, to all ladies dear, Of whose sweet taste I write approval here, For these pre-eminent myself I think, As long as you don't overdue the pink.

Write a short story every week. It's not possible to write 52 bad short stories in a row.

You have to finish things - that's what you learn from, you learn by finishing things.

Do not ask who I am and do not ask me to remain the same. More than one person, doubtless like me, writes in order to have no face.

Whether we are describing a king, an assassin, a thief, an honest man, a prostitute, a nun, a young girl, or a stallholder in a market, it is always ourselves that we are describing.

Very few people possess true artistic ability. It is therefore both unseemly and unproductive to irritate the situation by making an effort. If you have a burning, restless urge to write or paint, simply eat something sweet and the feeling will pass.

Looking back on all the things I went through to get here. It was all worth it. It's a blessing that I can write about it all.