There are many books that provide tips and guidance for publishing success. This series of articles takes you directly to a trusted source of wisdom ? established authors. The hope is the experiences they have encountered will assist you in your writing objectives.
On Editing
There is but one art, to omit! - Robert Louis Stevenson
A sentence should contain no unnecessary words, a paragraph no unnecessary sentences, for the same reason that a drawing should have no unnecessary lines and a machine no unnecessary parts. - William Strunk, Jr., from The Elements of Style
My most important piece of advice to all you would-be writers: when you write, try to leave out all the parts readers skip. - Elmore Leonard
The great art of writing is knowing when to stop. - Josh Billings
As to the adjective, when in doubt, strike it out. -- Mark Twain
When rewriting, move quickly. It's a little like cutting your own hair. - Robert Stone
Put it before them briefly so they will read it, clearly so they will appreciate it, picturesquely so they will remember it and, above all, accurately so they will be guided by its light. - Joseph Pulitzer
On Writer's Block
If you are in difficulties with a book, try the element of surprise: attack it an hour when it isn't expecting it. - H. G. Wells
On Motivation
Better to write for yourself and have no public, than to write for the public and have no self. - Cyril Connolly
The most original thing a writer can do is write like himself. It is also the most difficult task. - Robertson Davies
If you wish to be a writer, write. - Epictetus
Talent is helpful in writing, but guts are absolutely essential. - Jessamyn West
You write about the thing that sank its teeth into you and wouldn't let go. - Paul West
On Humility
Young writers should be encouraged to write, and discouraged from thinking they are writers. - Wallace Stegner
In the third and final part in this series we will look at a few words of wisdom from authors on the naming of your work, learning from the success and failure of other writers and the inner struggles authors often face.
