by Rachel Hauck, @RachelHauck 

As writers, we need encouragement. We often feel alone in the vast desert of the empty page.

 

But take courage, you are not alone. Many great authors have gone before you to light the way.

Below are quotes from famous and not-so-famous writers to remind you that while writing is hard, it is also worth it.

“Write something. You can’t fix a blank page.” Lynette Eason, suspense author

This is a fabulous truth. Own it!

“Do not worry. You have always written before and you will write now.” Ernest Hemingway, American journalist & novelist

Hemingway exhorted himself with this truth when he was in the midst of a story and struggling. I often tell myself the same thing. Just keep going and you’ll find the way.

“Nothing is obnoxious as other people’s success.” F. Scott Fitzgerald, American fiction writer

Cheeky devil, Fitzgerald. While this isn’t a direct writing quote, I feel it’s a key truth for writers.

First, if you are successful by winning an award or hitting a major bestseller list, act like you’ve been there before. Be gracious. Be humble.

Second, cheer for those who are doing well. Be on their team. Be on God’s team. Be gracious and be humble. (I’m sensing a theme.)

“Description begins in the writer’s imagination, but should finish in the reader’s.” Stephen King, American author of horror

Ponder this one. Make sure you are emotionally communicating what you see and feel so the reader sees and feels it too.

“Know the rules. Master the rules. But don’t get strangled by the rules.” RonieKendig, military suspense author

It’s too easy for writers to want to break the rules. Especially new authors. Because the rules, or guidelines, are hard. They seem to cramp creativity. But they actually free up the creative juices.

I had a friend who studied architecture in college. She wanted to design beautiful structures that fit with the environment. But she refused to learn the math. Her professors would say, “Amazing building, but it will fall down.”

Once she buckled down and learned the math, she discovered way more freedom and creativity. She could be much more elaborate with her designs because she knew the rules.

Same goes for writers. Learn the rules before you break them.

“Almost all good writing begins with terrible first efforts. You need to start somewhere.” Anne Lamott, American novelist & non-fiction writer

This quote has always comforted me. When I’m reading the horrible first draft I remind myself all good writing begins with terrible first efforts.

Shut off the internal critic. Write. Then edit. Then polish.

“My books are water; those of the great geniuses is wine. Everybody drinks water.” Mark Twain, American writer & humorist

Whhhaaaat!? Twain, you genius. I adore, love, absorb this quote! I need to ingest this. I’ve been trying to make wine out of my raisin-like writing. It’s hard. Lots of pressure and the sense I’m never good enough. But this? I can do this! Write something everybody can ingest.

“Substitute ‘damn’ every time you’re inclined to write ‘very.’ Your editor will delete it and the writing will be just as it should be.” Mark Twain, American writer & humorist

I love this. I get his point. “Very” is the word we use to stress importance. If we say “damn,” we’re adding a layer of intensity. Removing it won’t change the sentence. It also won’t change the intensity.

“I’m a writer. I give the truth scope!” Chaucer, known as the Father of English Literature

“I will eviscerate you in fiction. Every last pimple. Every last character flaw. I was naked for a day. You will be naked for eternity.” Chaucer, known as the Father of English Literature

Romance author Robin Lee Hatcher sent me these quotes. She has them painted on her office wall. I’m thinking of doing the same!

“Forgiveness is really just another word for freedom.” Julie Lessman, romance author

Let’s just let this truth simmer. If you’ve not forgiven, you’re not free. While not a direct writing quote, author Julie Lessman has brought focus to our hearts. And perhaps our stories.

“It’s fear that makes an act courageous.”

“If there were a magic formula for publication, I think it would be this: Discipline plus persistence equals success.” Denise Hunter, romance author

Denise penned the first quote in her book, Convenient Groom. It’s profound, wise and true. The second is just good, wise advice.

“I’m a seat-of-the-pants writer. For me, knowing how it’s going to end takes all the fun out of writing. I want to discover my story just the way the reader will!” Contemporary author, Deborah Raney, contemporary author

I’m a bit of a “plantser.” I plot and pants. I like to know where I’m going, but I also like to discover the story as the reader would. I love the surprises I find along the way.

“Every “no” along the way is just part of God’s final “yes” when his perfect timing is reached.”

“You’re never too old to start something new. Don’t let age keep you from following your dream. Start that novel!”  Tamera Alexander, historical romance author

Both of these quotes are such great advice. Especially in relationship to rejections. We need to know God has our good in mind. He will tend to our journey!

I remember a friend saying she allowed herself a fifteen-minute pity party after reading one of my books. I said, “Why?”

“Because it’s too late for me to do some of the things I wanted.”

I replied, “Well, you’re not dead yet. Get busy!”

“Be courageous and try to write in a way that scares you a little.” Holley Gerth, bestselling author & life coach

Women’s fiction author Beth K. Vogt loves this quote. I’m a little scared to really contemplate it, though. (Ha!)

“I love writing. I love the swirl and swing of words as they tangle with human emotions.” James A. Michener, American author

Romance author Lisa Jordan found the truth of writing in this Michener quote. I feel the same way. I love when I can really settle into a scene and dig into the emotion without worrying if I’m writing too slow, and taking too long.

“My job is to obey God with a keyboard, with a pulpit. God takes it from there.”  Mark Batterson, American pastor & author        

Working-on-being-an-author Alena Wendell found this jewel. I’m going to paint this on my wall too!

“Creativity takes courage.” Henri Matisse, French artist

“Courage, Dear Heart.” C. S. Lewis, British writer & lay theologian

Suspense and romance author Cara Putman finds encouragement from these quotes. Courage is required if you’re going to be a writer.

“I had always felt life first as a story: and if there is a story there is a story-teller” G.K. Chesterton, English writer & lay theologian

This is a great quote from contemporary author Katherine Reay. Love G. K. Chesterton.

“Take the time to crawl into your viewpoint character’s head. Stay there throughout the scene. Have a little fun being someone else. It should help you with deep point of view and should keep you from head-hopping.”

Such great advice from romance and medical author Hannah Alexander. Brilliant.

As for me? When I started writing, I wrote two things on 3×5 cards and taped them to my desk.

“Aim small, hit small. Aim big, hit big.”

“If you believe you can’t, then don’t be surprised when you fail.” Rachel Hauck, split-time and romance author

Don’t despise small beginnings. (Zechariah 4:10) Don’t be impatient on the journey. Believe in yourself. Believe in God’s good for you! Keep at it. Let the journey of writing conform you to Christ.

I hope these quotes encourage you. Go write something brilliant.