“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, twitter.com
“Your job is to write the best book you can. Period. Every time. Don't 'save' anything for later. Don't leave anything on the mat. If the idea sweeps you up in its fury, ride the dang wave.”— Delilah S. Dawson, twitter.com
“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, twitter.com
“Your career isn't over until you stop writing. If your book flops, if they drop your contract, if they don't buy your next book-- it's not over. Pick a pseudonym, switch genres, self-publish, hybridize. It's not over until you are.”— Delilah S. Dawson, twitter.com
“The right way to write is whenever and however you can. I’m proud of you for working to figure out how to create and craft your stories. You got this.”— Kiersten White, twitter.com
“This is why I stress to new theatre writers - making a living off writing isn’t the same as being a writer who makes good work. Aiming for the latter rather and not having the former isn’t a failure. Whatever setup lets you make work you want & not torch your life is the ideal.”— Vinay Patel, twitter.com
“I hope you remember that the scaffolding of joy is oftentimes shadows and doubt, and that's okay. Your joy and your success doesn't have to look like anyone else's.”— Roshani Chokshi, twitter.com
“I’m hearing from lots of aspiring writers, and I just want to remind you that what you see is oftentimes a highlight reel. What someone reveals on social media can still be sincere, but it is curated. Nothing is overnight. Nothing is guaranteed. I 100% understand how the dream of being a bestseller,…”— Roshani Chokshi, twitter.com
“I’m not usually one for aphorisms, but I think as writers we all worry we’re doing it wrong. However you get there is how you get there. And to those struggling to fit writing into an already too-busy, too-stressful life, you have all my love and admiration.”— Kiersten White, twitter.com
“The right way to write is whenever and however you can. I’m proud of you for working to figure out how to create and craft your stories. You got this.”— Kiersten White, twitter.com
“Writers of color must remember that we are stronger together. When we lift up each others voices and support one another, we can change the world. When we rip each other apart, we help no one but those who would keep us down.”— Ellen Oh, twitter.com
“Your writing experience is not the same as anyone else's. What another writer does to tell their story will not be your way. Do what is best to write your story and do it to the best of your ability. That means be true to your story & responsible to your readers.”— Ellen Oh, twitter.com
“No one else’s standards of most apply. Do the things YOU imagine. Don’t try to make yourself into someone else’s version of a How To Be A Writer. Be the writer you are, & reach for the most amazing work you can do.”— Maria Dahvana Headley, twitter.com
“Tell her to read whatever interests her & protect her if someone declares what she's reading to be trash. No one can fathom what happens between a human being & written language.”— Barry Lopez, amazon.com
“The hard thing about publishing is you need professional feedback to grow your skills, but you can't get professional feedback until you have skills. I feel like this is why so many people lose hope in the query trenches. The solution: Take a class, go to a conf., join a group.”— Delilah S. Dawson, twitter.com