I think you become a writer when you stop writing for…

My purpose as a writer is to communicate in such a way as to challenge the thinking of readers and touch their hearts.

— Randy Alcorn

If you really want to be a writer, nobody can stop you -- and if you don't, nobody can help you.

— Alma Alexander

Writing is hard work. But if you want to become a writer you will become one. Nothing will stop you.

— Dorothy Day

The writer can't stop her unconscious from showing up, that's certain.

— Simone de Beauvoir

If you want to be a writer-stop talking about it and sit down and write!

— Jackie Collins

People who write for reward by way of recognition or monetary gain don't know what they're doing. They're in the category of those who…

— Harper Lee

I've quit writing screenplay [adaptations]. It's too much work. I don't look at writing a novel as work, because I only have to please…

— Elmore Leonard

Always dream and shoot higher than you know you can do...Try to be better than yourself.

— John Steinbeck

For such a long time, when you're a writer, you really are just writing for yourself, and maybe a few friends. So it's really…

— Cassandra Clare

Books are great for if you want to work on the craft of writing for yourself, or, you know, to write novels or indie…

— Thomas Lennon

“Most creative-writing teachers have had the experience of occasionally helping to produce, by accident, a pornographer.”

— John Gardner

“Writing teachers invariably tell students, write about what you know. That's, of course, what you have to do, but on the other hand, how…

— E.L. Doctorow

Being willing is not enough. We must do.

— Leonardo da Vinci

I've had great writing teachers and mentors and great success with my first book.

— Uzodinma Iweala

I think all writers write for an audience. There is no such thing as writing for yourself.

— William S. Burroughs