Believe Quote by David Massengill
“I use three main tools in writing: instinct, hard work and dumb luck. Dumb luck is missing a train and, while you wait for the next one, writing a key word, line or verse. When this happens often enough you begin to believe in Fate.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Podcast with David Massengill, 2019
Writing relies on intuition, effort, and serendipity; chance encounters can feel like destiny.
In simple terms: Instinct, work, and luck shape writing.
Key Takeaway
Embrace routine and stay open to accidental inspiration.
Themes
creativity
process
serendipity
Mood
reflective
inspirational
Type
advice
personal
When to use this quote
- writing sessions
- brainstorming
- commuting
- waiting for trains
- journaling
Key Concepts
intuition
effort
chance
fate
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you capture spontaneous ideas?
- Can you differentiate luck from skill?
A Different Perspective
Luck is unpredictable; over‑reliance may hinder disciplined practice.
![“The thing for someone just starting off [in writing] is to write. You need to have limber fingers, whether you write with your fingers or you type on your laptop, but you need to have a limber mind and you need to be able to write without judging what you've written, at least right away, and…” quote by Augusten Burroughs](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d3b/augusten-burroughs-603_able_the-thing-for-someone-just-starting-off_2135014.jpg)
