Writing is a journey, a pursuit that is often filled with as much uncertainty and self-doubt as it is with joy and fulfillment. Whether you’re a budding author seeking your first publication or a seasoned novelist grappling with your latest narrative, words of wisdom can provide the inspiration needed to persevere.

Reflections on The Written Word

Throughout history, celebrated authors have shared their insights about the art and craft of writing. These are not mere platitudes but profound reflections from individuals who have wrestled with the written word, pouring their hearts and souls onto the page.

Here are 24 of the most inspirational quotes for writers, each accompanied by a brief explanation to illuminate its wisdom. Cheers to your writing journey!

Wisdom from Writers

1. “There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.” – Maya Angelou This quote speaks to the emotional burden of an untold story. It emphasizes the importance of getting your story out, expressing your creativity, and the profound sense of fulfillment that comes with it.
2. “Survival… is an infinite series of often unknown, always unacknowledged miracles.” – Joy Harjo Harjo, a member of the Mvskoke Nation and the first Native American United States Poet Laureate, reminds us that life itself is a miraculous story. Every person’s survival is filled with untold stories that deserve to be brought to light.
3. “You can make anything by writing.” – C.S. Lewis Lewis is highlighting the limitless possibilities of writing. By writing, you can create worlds, characters, situations, and emotions that would otherwise be impossible to convey. When your imagination is overflowing with ideas, sometimes it’s best just to create. Ease the burden on your mind by setting your imagination free.
4. “If there’s a book that you want to read, but it hasn’t been written yet, then you must write it.” – Toni Morrison Morrison is encouraging writers to create the content they feel is missing in the world. If you’re passionate about a story or concept that hasn’t been addressed, it’s an invitation to fill that void. Don’t get caught in the mindset that your idea is worthless because it hasn’t been done. Deem yourself a trendsetter and move forward!
5. “One day I will find the right words, and they will be simple.” – Jack Kerouac Kerouac emphasizes the beauty and power of simplicity in writing. Often, the most profound messages are conveyed in the simplest terms. Writers sometimes lament the fact their words lack in some way, yet simple images hold power, too.
6. “Don’t tell me the moon is shining; show me the glint of light on broken glass.” – Anton Chekhov Chekhov encourages writers to embrace the power of “showing” rather than “telling” in their work. Descriptive language makes a story more immersive and engaging for the reader. It’s worth reading examples of “show, don’t tell” as it is a wonderful lesson to learn.
7. “I write for those women who do not speak, for those who do not have a voice because they were so terrified, because we are taught to respect fear more than ourselves.” – Audre Lorde Lorde’s quote underlines the power of writing as a voice for the unheard. As a writer, you have the ability to share stories that might otherwise remain silent. Use your voice to shine a light on the darkness and speak the truth you witness.
8. “No tears in the writer, no tears in the reader. No surprise in the writer, no surprise in the reader.” – Robert Frost Frost’s quote suggests that if a writer is emotionally invested in their work, the reader will be too. The writer’s own reactions to the story can serve as a guide to how the reader might respond. Having a plan or outline is wonderful, but don’t go overboard. Allow yourself to feel your way through the story. Let surprising or devastating actions unfold naturally, and let the Universe entertain you as the writing flows.
9. “Writers don’t write from experience… If you wrote from experience, you’d get maybe one book, maybe three poems. Writers write from empathy.” – Nikki Giovanni Giovanni underscores that writing is not merely a regurgitation of personal experience but a deep dive into empathy. As a writer, you have the power to explore a multitude of perspectives and emotions.
10. “Easy reading is damn hard writing.” – Nathaniel Hawthorne Hawthorne underscores the effort it takes to create a piece that’s easy to read. Clear, engaging writing requires hard work and meticulous editing.
11. “A writer is someone for whom writing is more difficult than it is for other people.” – Thomas Mann Mann suggests that writing is particularly challenging for writers because they’re aware of the complexities and potential of the written word. They strive for excellence in every sentence. This can be a comforting sentiment but left unchecked will become debilitating. Overanalyzing is not good. Find a balance in letting your writing become what it needs to be, imperfections and all.
12. “The beginning of wisdom is silence. The second step is listening.” – Thomas King King, who is of Cherokee descent, suggests that listening and silence are crucial for gaining wisdom. For writers, these practices can enable a deeper understanding of their subjects and foster greater authenticity in their narratives.
13. “There is nothing to writing. All you do is sit down at a typewriter and bleed.” – Ernest Hemingway Hemingway’s quote refers to the emotional toll that writing can take. It involves laying bare your thoughts, fears, and vulnerabilities for the world to see.
14. “In the end, we’ll all become stories.” – Margaret Atwood Atwood’s quote reminds us of the ephemeral nature of life and the enduring power of stories. As a writer, you have the ability to immortalize experiences, emotions, and insights. Let your characters live on forever.
15. “You never have to change anything you got up in the middle of the night to write.” – Saul Bellow Bellow implies that some of the best writing comes from spontaneous inspiration. Such raw and sincere ideas often stand out in their authenticity. Let the inspiration flow through you in these moments.
16. “Writing is like driving at night in the fog. You can only see as far as your headlights, but you can make the whole trip that way.” – E.L. Doctorow Doctorow tells us that you don’t need to see the whole story before you start writing. Write as much as you can see, and the rest will unfold as you progress. This thinking often puts off first-time writers. Knowing the general vicinity but not the exact location can make for an exciting adventure.
17. “The purpose of a writer is to keep civilization from destroying itself.” – Albert Camus Camus underlines the writer’s role in society. Writers can inspire change, spread knowledge, and stimulate critical thinking, thus contributing to the preservation and progress of civilization.
18. “Writing is really a way of thinking – not just feeling but thinking about things that are disparate, unresolved, mysterious, problematic or just sweet.” – Toni Morrison Morrison explains that writing is more than an emotional outlet—it’s a tool for thinking, analyzing, and connecting seemingly unrelated things. As a writer, you have the power to delve into complex issues and present them in new and insightful ways. This is a powerful tool as you can change how society thinks or acts collectively.
19. “A professional writer is an amateur who didn’t quit.” – Richard Bach Bach is conveying that perseverance is key in writing. Every accomplished writer started as an amateur and became a professional through practice and determination. In fact, professionals in all walks of life became the best through doing.
20. “I can shake off everything as I write; my sorrows disappear, my courage is reborn.” – Anne Frank Frank refers to the therapeutic nature of writing. It can be a powerful tool for expressing emotions, overcoming adversity, and finding courage.
21. “Close the door. Write with no one looking over your shoulder. Don’t try to figure out what other people want to hear from you; figure out what you have to say.” – Barbara Kingsolver Kingsolver encourages writers to stay true to their unique voice and vision. Writing is a personal journey of exploration and expression, not a performance for others.
22. “The scariest moment is always just before you start. After that, things can only get better.” – Stephen King King’s quote speaks to the initial fear of facing a blank page. Ultimately, the process becomes less daunting once you overcome that fear and start writing.
23. “A word after a word after a word is power.” – Margaret Atwood Atwood emphasizes the power of words. Each word you write adds to the narrative, building momentum, evoking emotions, and conveying messages. It’s a reminder of the impact your writing can have.
24. “The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don’t have any.” – Alice Walker Walker highlights the importance of believing in your own abilities and talents. As a writer, you possess the power to create, inspire, and challenge. Don’t underestimate it.

Find the courage to create

Writing, in its essence, is an act of courage. Each of the quotes above is a testament to this bravery, the audacity to explore unknown narratives, to express untold truths, and to push the boundaries of our shared understanding.

Whether it’s Hemingway’s reminder of the value in first drafts or Atwood’s declaration of the power of each word, these pearls of wisdom encourage us to keep writing, no matter the obstacles we face.

No matter how experienced, every author can draw inspiration from these words. Let them serve as your beacon on your writing journey, gently guiding you through your narrative’s foggy nights and into the clarity of a new day. Remember, the world needs your story. So, write on.