“A scrupulous writer, in every sentence that he writes, will ask himself at least four questions, thus: 1. What am I trying to say? 2. What words will express it? 3. What image or idiom will make it clearer? 4. Is this image fresh enough to have an effect?” ~ George Orwell, 1946, English essayist, novelist, & satirist (1903 - 1950)
“Don’t use words too big for the subject. Don’t say ‘infinitely’ when you mean ‘very’; otherwise you’ll have no word left when you want to talk about something really infinite.” ~ C. S. Lewis, English essayist & juvenile novelist (1898 - 1963)
“Cut out all those exclamation marks. An exclamation mark is like laughing at your own joke.” ~ F. Scott Fitzgerald, American writer (1896 - 1940)
“You must keep sending work out; you must never let a manuscript do nothing but eat its head off in a drawer. You send that work out again and again, while you’re working on another one. If you have talent, you will receive some measure of success - but only if you persist.” ~ Isaac Asimov, US science fiction novelist & scholar (1920 - 1992)
“A writer is a person for whom writing is more difficult than it is for other people.” ~ Thomas Mann, German writer (1875 - 1955)
“To produce a mighty work, you must choose a mighty theme.” ~ Herman Melville, American novelist (1819 - 1891)
“A good style should show no sign of effort. What is written should seem like a happy accident.” ~ W. Somerset Maugham
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on March 14, 2008 - 5:47 pm
Hello darlin’ gal! Fitzgerald’s quote made me laugh . . . not only do I laugh at my own jokes, I overuse exclamation points ‘cuz I love ‘em!!
Know you’ve read some of Ken Gire’s stuff, and if you haven’t gotten hold of The North Face of God and The Weathering Grace of God yet, I highly recommend both of them (and they’re available on his Reflective Living site). And then, sort of hand-in-hand with these books is the March/April issue of Discipleship Journal . . . man, oh man. Not exactly pump you up reads, but definitely firm encouragement to keep slogging through, all the while nestling up harder to hear His heart, to live in His lap.
on March 14, 2008 - 6:51 pm
I love these and the ones on the previous post. Thanks for sharing them.
And a word for you, my friend, from Isaiah 41:9-10,13:
I took you from the ends of the earth, from its farthest corners I called you. I said, “You are my servant”; I have chosen you and have not rejected you. So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.
Press on, dear Vicki. Your desire is no mistake.
on March 14, 2008 - 7:50 pm
Carrie, hey there, you! To Fitzgerald, I say…what does *he* know? LOL. Yep, I’ve got that copy of Gire’s The North Face of God - need to read it. Didn’t know about the other so thanks for letting me know. What have you been up to? So glad to see your comment today. ((hugs))
Tami, your words, and that quote, held me captive just now…medicine to my aching heart. THANK YOU. I so needed this good word today. ((hugs))
on March 15, 2008 - 2:34 pm
Loved this post Vicki…Blessings~Sharon
on March 17, 2008 - 10:01 pm
I love the Thomas Mann quote–isn’t that the truth? It’s so much harder because we want it right, but we love the process and the product of all that work.
Eyes to Christ!
Carmen
on March 19, 2008 - 12:08 pm
What seems a happy accident is so hard, yes?
Vicki, you bless.
Thank you….
on March 19, 2008 - 1:48 pm
Hey Vicki! Just wanted to let you know that I gave you an award today on my blog. You are under NO obligation to pass it on—just smile and enjoy it if you wish!
on March 20, 2008 - 11:28 am
Grrrrrr. I’m so upset with Cindy over at “Notes In The Key Of Life”. She’s put all these awesome blogs out there and I’ve been sucked into the internet vortex today. Doesn’t she know I have a house to clean and some basketball to watch this afternoon?
This post encouraged me today. I’ll be back for more. Look ma … no exclamation points.
Nice to meet ya.