Even the best writers get stuck from time to time, and we have all experienced writers block. Most authors agree that the first draft is going to be horrible, but as Sylvia Plath says, “The worst enemy to creativity is self-doubt.”
So I wrote this blog post with the intention of helping you push through that writer’s block, by getting inspired by these amazing tips from famous authors:
“Read, read, read. Read everything — trash, classics, good and bad, and see how they do it. Just like a carpenter who works as an apprentice and studies the master. Read!” -William Faulkner
William Faulkner reminds us that writing is a skill, not a talent. Good to remember when we’re sure our writing isn’t good enough. Because we can always get better as long as we write.
“Don’t tell me the moon is shining; show me the glint of light on broken glass.” -Anton Chekhov
Chekhov beautifully demonstrates the concept of “show, don’t tell.” The best thing about this quote is that Chekhov uses the concept to demonstrate itself. He doesn’t just say “show, don’t tell.” He shows us how with vivid imagery.
“If there’s a book that you want to read, but it hasn’t been written yet, then you must write it.” -Toni Morrison
This quote from Morrison is inspiring because it underscores what really matters when it comes to writing: passion for your subject matter. What better reason to write a story, and what better way to get a feel of the market, than to write the story you want to read?
“The first draft of anything is shit.” -Ernest Hemingway
Wise words from Nobel and Pulitzer winner, Ernest Hemingway. To accept a crappy first draft is the first step to becoming a writer. Better if you can accept it even as you write it. Because any writing process is a long one. There’s writing. And rewriting. And then rewriting again. And with so many steps, why strain to write something great in the first draft?
“Easy reading is damn hard writing.” -Nathaniel Hawthorne
This quote is one to keep in your back pocket whenever writing gets tough or when another writer makes writing look easy. If it’s easy to read, it was hard to write. Enough said.