20+ Best Delilah S. Dawson Quotes

“Reminder: A creative career is a lot like surfing. Most of it is about paddling like hell, trying not to drown, and waiting for just the right moment to stand. The surfing, although exhilarating, is the rarest, briefest part.”

— Delilah S. Dawson

Tagged: Career, Career Advice, creative career, Motivational Life Quotes, Writing, Arts, Craft

“You have to write it for you. Then put in the work to make it the best book you can write. And then think about how to get it on bookshelves. Always write the book for you, first.”

— Delilah S. Dawson, via twitter.com

Tagged: Writing, Writing Advice, write for yourself

“Please don't forget that you are important and special and you deserve care. Be gentle with yourself so you can be fierce in the world.”

— Delilah S. Dawson, via twitter.com

Tagged: Self Care, self control, Self-Trust, Self-Love, Motivational, Empowering

“If your writing is compelling from page 1, NO ONE CARES WHAT THE TITLE IS. Titles can change. No one rejects an amazing book because the title is bad.”

— Delilah S. Dawson, via twitter.com

Tagged: Writing, Writing Advice, finding an agent, publishing a book

“Whatever gets the job done and doesn't make you hate yourself or self-destruct is the right way to do it. Whenever I give advice here, I'm speaking to the writer I was in 2009.”

— Delilah S. Dawson

Tagged: Writing, Writing Advice, Writing Tips

“I feel like the biggest battle writers face is slogging through when the work isn't flowing, when it's hard, when we're unsure. It's so easy to say, 'Oh, well, the mojo ain't there today,' and quit. But even 500 words is more than 0. You've just got to push through.”

— Delilah S. Dawson

Tagged: Writing, Writing Advice, writer's advice, keep on writing, Motivational

“Plenty of people with talent doubt themselves. Plenty of writers I know are deathly afraid they stink. Confidence is great and all, but you don't have to have it to be a good writer. You just have to keep going and committing yourself to leveling up.”

— Delilah S. Dawson

Tagged: Writing, Writers, Writing Advice

“For me, I want to query a finished book--not end on a cliffhanger, assuming they'll pick up a series. So I would make build a rich world with places to explore and plenty of characters but definitely end the book in a satisfying way. If it sells, you can switch up the ending.”

— Delilah S. Dawson, via twitter.com

Tagged: Writing, Writing Advice, story endings, ending a book, ending a novel

“...writing is an individual journey. There's no norm. Getting an agent/sale can take 10 months or 10 years. Write the best book you can, edit it the best you can, polish the best you can, and hit the send button. Repeat until you reach your goal. You got this.”

— Delilah S. Dawson, via twitter.com

Tagged: Writing, Writing A Book, Writer's Truth, Inspirational, Motivational, keep writing

“Before you have a support structure, you can ask people who know and like you. If you've found a writing community online, you can find a critique partner, take a writing class, or join a writing group. It usually involves a trade, as crit. takes time.”

— Delilah S. Dawson, via twitter.com

Tagged: Writing, writing community, joining writing community

“I don't edit a thing until I have a finished first draft. That way lies madness, or at least the opportunity to fall into a pit of hot garbage that will remind me how much I suck and convince me I forgot how to write. Finish the first draft. fix it later.”

— Delilah S. Dawson, via twitter.com

Tagged: Writing, Writing Advice, just write, Writing A Book

“I worry for people whose first book is a wild success. What happens when you have a book that doesn't receive that attention? When you're suddenly not the belle of the ball? It's hard to fall from grace. You've got to be realistic + love the writing + know it's not all you.”

— Delilah S. Dawson

Tagged: Writing, Writing Advice, writer's advice, Writer's Truth, success in writing, writing success

“- some writers have day jobs
- some don't
- some writers have a lot of money
- some struggle to stay afloat
- some writers get huge advances or can live off royalties
- some writers aren't there yet
Money doesn't make a writer a good or bad person or a good or bad writer.”

— Delilah S. Dawson

Tagged: Writers, Writer's Truth, writer's life

“Talent, potential-- none of that matters. Literally the only thing that will get you published is writing the best book that you can and going through the right steps to get it published. Nobody pays for potential. They can't publish potential. They need an actual book.”

— Delilah S. Dawson, via twitter.com

Tagged: Writing, Writing A Book, getting published, Writing Advice

“"Almost publishable" is, unfortunately, a great pat on the head into which you can't read deeper meaning. It could mean the book, or it could mean you. But it's a good sign! I'd start writing the next book. And if you're still querying, keep querying.”

— Delilah S. Dawson, via twitter.com

Tagged: Writer's Truth, Writing Advice, Writing, rejection letters, getting published

“The really important point here is that your debut book/series/year DOES NOT PREDICT YOUR CAREER. It's not any indicator of future success. Publishers know and understand this. Just keep writing the best books you can. Keep innovating without fear. Keep that hope.”

— Delilah S. Dawson

Tagged: Writing, Writing A Book, writing a novel, Writing Advice, Writer's Truth, author, Books, selling books, Publishing, publishing industry, publishing a book

“So the point of a writing schedule is to hold you accountable on those days when the writing isn't easy. You don't need a schedule to be a consistent writer. You don't need a calendar with stickers. You just have to figure out what works for *you*. Whatever works=your process.”

— Delilah S. Dawson

Tagged: Writing, writing schedule, Writing Advice, Writing Techniques

“Only one thing drives me to write books: OBSESSION. Ferocious love. From the beginning, I've thought of writing as my escape, as this special and important calling. Not drudgery, not *eyeroll* work. I get this fierce, desperate glee as I plan a story. Like planning a vacation.”

— Delilah S. Dawson

Tagged: Writing, writing experience, writer's words, writer's experience, writing is healing, in love with writing

“Much of publishing is completely out of your control. The only thing you can control is the power of your storytelling and the professionalism with which you deliver it, and that means tuning out the noise, putting your butt back into the chair, and getting better.”

— Delilah S. Dawson, 25 Steps To Being A Traditionally Published Author

Tagged: Publishing, Writing

“1. Here's the question: How do you get more comfortable with descriptive writing? And I'll add: Without verging into purple prose or an info dump. This ties in with worldbuilding, which is one of my favorite things.

2. So. Worldbuilding starts on page 1. The words you use, the things you point out, the rhythm of your words: They all harmonize to paint the background setting for your story. The book/genre should suggest the appropriate tone and voice. What does that mean?

3. Epic Fantasy: The chaka trees creaked in the gale-force winds, driving the black dragons into the crystalline caves where they growled warnings to their eggs. Urban Fantasy: Oily rain pattered the cracked asphalt and reflected the flickering neon of the late night pizza dive.

4. Each thing you choose to point out should be unique to your world and story. Each adjective is carefully chosen for voice and genre. These details don't always happen in the first draft. In the first draft, just get it on the page. Make it beautiful and specific later.

5. Mind you, the descriptive language we see on the page will depend on the POV you've chosen. You can get away with a lot more if it's in first person and voicey. But then, of course, you've got to watch out for pages of "I'm the kind of guy who" and "let me describe my life."

6. There is no formula for "the right amount" of descriptive language. It works or it doesn't. If you reread it and start skipping lines to get to character/dialogue, you need to cut stuff. If you read it and have trouble picturing the scene, you need to add stuff. Find balance.

7. Writing descriptively is a skill. Time on task. Consider all the senses, not just visual. What sounds, smells are there? What's the temperature? Can your character taste the petrichor or market spices? How does all this sensory input make them feel? Oppressed? Comforted?

8. One thing that helped me with descriptive language was joining a writing group where we did timed exercises. Had to quickly settle on a scene and get it on the page. I learned to give flavor immediately, using cultural shorthand and expressive vocabulary in small vignettes.

9. Another thing that helped was my use of playlists for story development, which you can read about here: http://www.whimsydark.com/blog/2016/5/17/how-and-why-to-make-a-book-playlist … The playlist keeps the flavor of the book on my tongue. It makes me see things, imagine a more lush background.

10. When writing 1st person description, consider what this person would notice that others wouldn't. How does their unique background and situation impact what would draw their attention? How would they describe something in a way no one else could? Which senses would dominate?

11. Descriptive language is all about flavor. Condense it down to syrup. For me: Wicked as They Come = sweet red wine, green vines, mist Servants of the Storm = oppressive ozone, rusty metal, swamp Wake of Vultures = dry desert, orange buttes, dun horses

12. When you're using descriptive language, you're not describing exactly what is seen. You're using a unique combination of visuals, adjectives, other senses, and character input to create a mood. No one cares how many chairs there are; we want to feel the splintered wood.”

— Delilah S. Dawson, via twitter.com

Tagged: Writing, Writing Advice, Writing Tips, descriptive language, descriptive writing

“So when it comes to how you know if your book is any good, I'd say that if you can hire an experienced pro to tell you, you'll *actually* know. If you're going it alone, querying will tell you. I didn't know if I was technically ready to query, but I was doing it anyway.

I suggest sending out 5 queries to a variety of agents on your list. If you get nothing but form rejections, read more QueryShark and rewrite your query. If you're getting requests, keep querying and wait for responses. But what do those responses mean?

Decoding query responses:
1. Not a good fit= generally a form rejection
2. Agent offers compliment/any personal advice = getting close!
3. Agent suggests specific changes and says they'd look at it again = so close!
4. Agent wants to have a call to talk about it = SCORE

Still not sure if your book is good/if your edits are helping? Ask yourself:
* What does the protagonist want?
* What is the main conflict stopping them?
* What subplots complicate it?
* What is the character arc?
* Does the end satisfy the beginning?

Now, consider:
* Can you write a hook or blurb for your book?
* Are there any parts you consider boring?
* Would you tell someone it gets better in chapter 3/whatever?
* Are there weak spots you hope an agent won't notice?
* Are you proud of it?

Still not sure if your book is any good? Go ahead and write a 1-page synopsis, which many agents want as part of your query. Is there a definite plot-- this happens, which causes this, and then this? Or are most of the verbs passive-- she learned, he discovered? Plot= vital.

Check your first chapter. Is it a character experiencing a normal day in which nothing happens, walking around a room thinking about something, or describing themselves in a mirror? Those are all red flags. Consider the instigating factor and rewind one scene. Start there.

IME as a writer and teacher, many 1st chapters are the writer thinking out loud and waiting for something to happen. If that's in your first draft, cut it and decide where the book really starts: in a moment that shows character and worldbuilding while kicking off the plot.

One issue I see in books at the querying stage = the writer is ramrodding the plot when the main character should be driving it. Your protagonist should be motivated to do something, and their agency is what makes things happen. The world and antagonist should impede them.”

— Delilah S. Dawson, via twitter.com

Tagged: Writing, Writing Tips, Writing Advice, getting a book publish

“Let's say you write a book. You get an agent. Your agent thinks the book is flawless and requests no changes. She sells it to an editor. The editor thinks the book is flawless and requests no changes. THIS HAS NEVER HAPPENED. IT WILL NEVER HAPPEN. STOP IMAGINING IT.

So if you want to be traditionally published, you've got to grow accustomed to having other cooks in your kitchen. That doesn't mean they're going to turn your pumpkin pie into a kale salad. That means they're going to make your stew more delicious. It's a team effort.”

— Delilah S. Dawson, via twitter.com

Tagged: publishing a book, getting published, writing truth, Writer's Truth

“Dudes, here's a little primer on how to know if a girl is into you, based on an interaction I witnessed on a ferry yesterday in which the girl was clearly uncomfy.

1. Should you approach a lone woman? If she's wearing headphones, reading a book/device, or is napping, DO NOT APPROACH. She's not open.

2. You're in her orbit. Does she catch your eye and smile a little? Great! Say hi! Does she avoid your eyes, start texting, or find something to do in her bag? Leave her alone!

3. As you approach, does she smile, move her hair, make more eye contact? Great! Say hi! Does she look about frantically, make eye contact with other women, or move elsewhere? Leave her alone!

4. Now, this smile. If it includes teeth, lights up her eyes, or becomes a grin, that's a good sign. If it's close-lipped and doesn't touch her eyes, that's bad. This is a polite "don't kill me" smile.

5. This is a smile we've developed as animals that don't want trouble. Purse-lipped, polite-looking. This is a smile of fear. It is rare you're going to change it to the real kind of smile. Leave her alone!

6. You've said hi and you're talking. Does she respond enthusiastically with her own thoughts and feelings while smiling and gesticulating, or is it mostly nods, hmm, ah, uh huh? If she wants to talk to you, she will actually talk. Otherwise, nope!

7. Now, what about body language. Good signs: Open posture, nothing crossed, gesticulating, laughing. Bad signs: Curled in, defensive, arms crossed, nervous, eyes looking about frantically for a reason to leave.

8. Note: I'm especially talking about public transit or parties here. If you're at a bar or see a girl reading at a bookshop, YMMV. I just know that these physical signs are pretty much universal, and yet some guys never get it.

9. If you're the dude, consider this: Are you asking intrusive, threatening questions (Where do you live? What hotel are you at?) or open, interesting questions (What kind of movies do you like?) If her answers are brief or noncommittal, move on.

10. If the entire interaction is you asking intrusive questions and talking about yourself, it's not a conversation. To her, it feels like being held hostage. A conversation should be of equal enjoyment to both parties. If it's not, move on.

11. If you think you're to the point of flirting, it should go both ways. If you give her a compliment, does she compliment you back? Or does she say a terse "thanks" and look uncomfortable? If she's uncomfy, it's not flirting for her.

12. So it seems y'all are really adamant that if she's reading a book, she's open. I say it depends. Is she putting herself "out there", reading at a book store or college quad? Go for it. Is she using a book to hide her face on public transit? GTFO.

13. As a woman whose husband first approached her while she was reading a book, here's the diff: She puts the book down to focus on you with huge smile: Good. She gives you a terse answer and goes back to reading? Leave her alone.

14. And, hey. Don't start off by complimenting sexy things, ok? It's creepy. Compliment her fashion style, her eyes. Don't go for legs or tan or lips. She knows she looks good. This is not news that = she owes you conversation.

15. Is she asking you questions? This is a great sign. A woman who wants to leave the convo will do anything to avoid prolonging it.

16. If she feels trapped, it is unlikely anything you do will win her over. Being trapped does not feel good. The "don't kill me" smile hurts her face. She is a stressed animal that wants to escape. It's never gonna work. Say goodbye and leave her alone.

17. The Don't Kill Me Smile is a defense mechanism to keep us from making men angry so they won't hurt us. It is an instinctual thing. It makes your face hurt, gives you a headache. Her brain and heart are not engaged; it's just survival.

18. But, on the other hand, if you're seeing teeth, if she throws her head back to laugh, if she touches your arm or back? All great signs that she's comfortable and engaged in the conversation.

19. So when can you get touchy or sexual? SLOW YOUR GODDAMN ROLL. Women are not vending machines. You don't put in convo and wait for the groping to roll out. For the most part, she'll show you where she wants to be.

20. And all this advice goes for any interaction, especially with a power dynamic. I see agents or editors at conferences trapped by writers who reaaaallly want to make a connection, and the same rules apply. If the smile ain't real, the convo's not working.

In conclusion, for now: Whoever you are and whoever you're talking to, your goal should be a great interaction for both parties. Learn to read the positive and negative signals. If it's not working for the other party, politely withdraw. No big deal. ”

— Delilah S. Dawson, via twitter.com

Tagged: interacting with women, Male, Men, knowing when women are uncomfortable, approaching women, respecting women, learn to respect women, sexual harassment issue