Book Quote by Nick Tosches
“How do I start writing a book? I sit there, I come up with an opening line, and then I go little by little. I'll wonder, Well, what's coming? And that goes right through to the very end. For over a dozen years now, I've had a recurring dream where I'm reading a book and the pages are blank, but as I read, the words come to exist as fast as my eyes can move. Strange, strange thing.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Writing Process, The Paris Review, 1998
Writing a book begins with a small step, evolving through uncertainty into a complete narrative, driven by persistent imagination.
In simple terms: Start writing; let the story unfold.
Key Takeaway
Begin with a line and keep moving forward.
Themes
creativity
process
uncertainty
imagination
discipline
Mood
motivational
hopeful
Type
inspirational
practical
When to use this quote
- daily writing
- draft revisions
- author workshops
- self‑reflection
Key Concepts
narrative development
habit formation
Questions to Reflect On
- What small step can you take today?
- How do you handle writer’s block?
A Different Perspective
Fear of blank pages can halt progress; momentum is key.
![“We'd decided to write a book about two friends. I gave her some coffee and then we sat there not knowing what to do. How do you start writing a book together? So Kate [DiCamillo] got up after about 10 minutes into this endeavor, and said, 'Well, that was fun,' and started to head out the door. I…” quote by Alison McGhee](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/88f/alison-mcghee-15698_bits_we-d-decided-to-write-a-book-about-two-f_282606.jpg)
