Matthew Arnold said that the only secret to good writing is to “Have something to say, and say it as clearly as you can. Every successful writer has his or her own success formula. Here are some writers and their advice on how we can all become good writers:
Elizabeth Gilbert: “I believe that if you are serious about a life of writing, or indeed about any creative form of expression – you should take on this work like a holy calling. I became a writer the way other people become monks or nuns…I was writing’s most devotional handmaiden. I bult my entire life around writing.”
Doris Lessing: “The essential question is, “Have you found a space, that empty space, which should surround you when you write?” Into that space, which like a form of listening, of attention, will come the words your characters will speak, ideas – inspiration.”
Jane Yolen: “Exercise the writing muscle every day, even if it is only a letter, notes, a title list, a character sketch, a journal entry. Writers are like dancer, like athletes. Without that exercise, the muscles seize up.”
Cyril Connolly: “Better to write for yourself and have no public, than to write for the public and have no self.”
Cec Murphy: “Write what you know. Write what you want to know more about. Write what you’re afraid to write about.”
WOW! The quote by Cyril Connolly just made me feel even more motivated to continue writing. This post did wonders for my self esteem as a writer as short as it may be. Thank you so much for this!!
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Same here, Jasmine. It spurred me onwards!
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This is what I love about the whole concept of NaBloPoMo! The only way to fine tune your skill is to use it! 🙂 Happy Writing!
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Yes, blogging daily does help us find tools that we can use. Happy blogging too!
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I love the quote by Cec Murphy, “Write what you’re afraid to write about.”
Such a challenge! Thanks
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Yes, it is challenging to write what about what we’re afraid of. It’s one challenge I still have to hurdle.
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I like the idea of writing what I’m afraid to write about. Things I’ll be judged for. I should still write them for myself though.
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Same here. I’m not even thinking about it …yet :-}
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Sitting having coffee today and that aha moment came to me. I decided I really like to write and I want to write. So having said that, and reading your post, I do want to be serious to the extent that I stretch out and explore what awaits me. This quote is awesome.
Cyril Connolly: “Better to write for yourself and have no public, than to write for the public and have no self.”
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The quote from Cyril Connolly also touched a nerve…and has made me rethink my purpose for writing. Good luck as you explore whatever there is in the writing life that awaits you….!
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I found something new, about writing word. I’m learning by doingwant a be a writer.. tx so much..
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I hope you’ll be able to fulfill your dream of being a writer. Visited your blog but there was no translation facility available. Thanks for visiting.
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Aamiin YRA, Rosanna thank a lot for your support. I’m sorry long time ego near 3 year you have comment but now im reading again, make me fulfill… hehehe. Ok, thanks
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I love the Cyril Connolly quote the most I think!
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Seems to be a favorite with many!
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I like all of those quotes but Jane Yolen’s spoke to me the most. Haven’t been able to write frequently so when I do, I actually get stuck a lot! It’s pretty self-defeating.
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I hope you’ll consider joining a blogging challenge. Perfect way to work out your writing muscles.
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Yes, I am thinking of doing so this month as I start my holidays from school. 🙂
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Ah yes, writing everyday is certainly something we should all strive for. Just keep trying and someday you’ll succeed. A suggestion – join blogging challenges. It’s a fine way to get into the habit of writing something in your blog everyday.
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Love this, thank you 🙂
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Great post.
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