Skip to content

Writing Quotes by Shannon Hale

9 Writing quotes by Shannon Hale

All Writing quotes Shannon Hale’s page

Shannon Hale, known for weaving vivid worlds, shares nine short thoughts on the writer’s process. She talks about imagination, discipline, and the moments when characters seem to write themselves. A concise guide for anyone craving a glimpse into a storyteller’s mind.

Rate this collection: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

As a general rule, writing is very inconvenient.

Image

Being a writer is a good, good thing.

Image

Really, becoming a writer sounds more like a mental illness than a professional choice.

Image

Writing a first draft and reminding myself that I'm simply shoveling sand into a box so that later I can build castles.

Image

I am not sure I am ready to know what I think about that, so I dare not write it out.

Image

I cannot write to anyone outside myself--if I tried, it would be a horrible story, flat and lifeless. I write to myself.…

Image

Tegus, I'm leaving this book behind for you, so you will know the why of it all, and maybe you'll forgive me,…

Image

In some ways, I don’t feel as if I had a choice. Looking back at my childhood, even before I could read…

Image

The rewrites are a struggle right now. Sometimes I wish writing a book could just be easy for me at last. But…

Image

Other authors on Writing

More by Shannon Hale

“Well, write me into the list of Those Who Don’t Mind a Bit,” said Cupid, eyeing his perfectly toned arms and chest. “My, but…

Image

“Sometimes instinct isn't fancy.”

Image

Enna leaned back her head and laughed at the sky. 'Of course he wasn't! Who could kill Razo?

Image

“Um… I guess that’s that,” said Cerise. “That?” said Maddie. “That is never that. This is that. Or else that is this. And this…

Image

The book smelled dusty and old but also carried a sweet tang, a hint of something inviting. She opened to the first page and…

Image

Geric," she called. He turned back around. "What kind of flowers were they?" "I don't rightly know," he said. He made faltering gestures with…

Image

How I keep trying to force our story into a fairy tale, but from the beginning, it's been more like a nursery rhyme." "Bizarre…

Image

“He wildly combed his hair with his fingers. “I can’t bear to be out there with you right now, all those indifferent people watching…

Image

But, how do you know if an ending is truly good for the characters unless you've traveled with them through every page?

Image

“Sometimes it seems my identity’s a matter of opinion”

Image

The snow was too light to stay, the ground too warm to keep it. And the strange spring snow fell only in that golden…

Image

Even the jerks earn some of our affection. We can be glad they're gone and yet still mourn the good parts.

Image

Smell is the voice of the soul...

Image

“It was my jewelry!” Briar shouted after his father because he’d forgotten to ask what was stolen.”

Image

Oh, but I like my geese. Like cats, they can't be told what to do, and like dogs, they're loyal, and like people, they…

Image