“If you are in difficulties with a book,” suggested H. G. Wells, “try the element of surprise: attack it at an hour when it isn’t expecting it.” This was one way Gail Godwin learned to outfox her “watcher” (the inner critic who kept an eye on her as she worked): looking for times to write when she was off guard.… — Ralph Keyes Copy Share
“Find tricks to keep yourself going,” William Least Heat Moon once advised a group of aspiring writers. “Anything you can do to trick yourself… — Ralph Keyes Copy Share Image
“Henrik Ibsen hung a picture of August Strindberg over his desk. “He is my mortal enemy and shall hang there and watch while I… — Ralph Keyes Copy Share Image
Anxiety is not only an inevitable part of the writing process but a necessary part. If you’re not scared, you’re not writing. — Ralph Keyes Copy Share Image
Willa Cather said that she write best when she stopped trying to write and began simply to remember. — Ralph Keyes Copy Share Image
Serious writers write, inspired or not. Over time they discover that routine is a better friend than inspiration. — Ralph Keyes Copy Share Image
One thing I like about writing is that it provides such a wonderful opportunity for confidential chats with readers. In the privacy of writing, and reading, we can discuss topics that are a little touchy, a bit embarrassing, and feel less alone in the process. Feeling consumed by memories from high school. Feeling wimpy. Feeling time-obsessed. Yearning for our fathers.… — Ralph Keyes Copy Share
“One thing that separates would-be writers from working writers is that the latter know their work will never match their dreams.” — Ralph Keyes Copy Share Image
Be as creative in your tactics as you are in your writing. Find what gets your engine going, no matter how peculiar it may… — Ralph Keyes Copy Share Image
Fear is felt by writers at every level. Anxiety accompanies the first word they put on paper and the last. — Ralph Keyes Copy Share Image
“...fear and courage are like lightning and thunder; they both sart out at the same time, but the fear travels faster and arrives sooner.… — Ralph Keyes Copy Share Image
