I’ll get right to the point.
I can teach you a lot about blogging and writing to build an audience online, but the following people have decades of writing experience that I think we can all learn from.
Today we’ll be looking at 7 of the smartest things ever said about writing, from some of the best writers, authors and novelists of all time.
This is the first of five posts in the “Epic Writing” series, and I’m excited to get started.
Let’s go…
“If you don’t have time to read, you don’t have time (or the tools) to write. Simple as that.” – Stephen King
The idea here is simple. Read more. Reading gets your
mind going. It can spark ideas for your next blog post, video or product. Reading blogs in your industry also keeps you in the loop.
It’s a great way to figure out where your industry is and where it’s headed (by seeing what other bloggers are talking about). You can also gauge the interest in certain topics by seeing the amount of sharing and engagement these posts get.
“If there’s a book you want to read, but it hasn’t been written yet, then you must write it.” – Toni Morrison
I completely agree with this statement and it directly applies to our blogs and information businesses. This quote however, can be interpreted in two ways. One being, create content you want to read. Which is great, but can backfire on you if you’re not careful.
The second interpretation is, if you’re struggling to accomplish something in your business or life, there’s a good chance a large number of people are struggling with the same thing. If the solution isn’t out there in the form of an article, video or podcast, then the solution MUST be shared when you figure it out.
If you thought it was important for you to solve that problem, then most people would probably feel the same.
“No tears in the writer, no tears in the reader. No surprise in the writer, no surprise in the reader.” – Robert Frost
This quote builds on the last one; we need to write what we feel is important. Fluff doesn’t sell. Fluff doesn’t grow blogs. Fluff is spun content that no one cares about. If you write to fill your web pages with words, then you’re not going to build the audience you want.
However, if you’re writing with the sole purpose of engaging, giving value and helping people, then the audience will surely begin to build itself. Your post will reflect the time and effort it took to create it.
“How vain it is to sit down to write when you have not stood up to live.” – Henry David Thoreau
Aside from reading more, we must experience more. Most of my writing is based on experiences, because I truly believe that experience sells. Ever wonder why you love case studies so much? I can almost guarantee case studies are one of your favorite types of content pieces to consume.
We’re all hardwired this way. We want (and need) to learn from the experience of others. So why would you sit down and write about something you have not experienced for yourself. I wont’ get into morals and ethics, but think about this quote when you’re creating your next post.
“The scariest moment is always just before you start.” – Stephen King
Writer’s block isn’t real – it’s something we create in our heads. It stops us from doing the work. Stephen’s advice is to remember that the scariest part of writing is just getting the first sentence on paper (or screen). It becomes less scary after that.
I’m sure you’ve experience this before. Once you get into the flow of writing, it takes a pretty big distraction to get you to stop (at least for me it does). So don’t dread the blank page. Read this post on how to beat the blank page if you need more motivation.
“You can make anything by writing.” – C.S Lewis
I LOVE this one by C.S Lewis. It embodies what it means to be a writer in 2013 and beyond. With the internet moving at such a fast pace and the barriers to entry in this online world being completely non-existent, anyone can create anything they want.
They can create a powerful movement. They can create a one man (or woman) business. They can create a website that impacts the entire world in a positive way. They can create the life they’ve always wanted… using nothing but words.
Isn’t that powerful? Share your thoughts in the comment… I’d love to here what you think about this quote in particular.
“The first draft of anything is shit.” – Ernest Hemingway
I had to include this one in here. =)
The first draft of anything is shit means exactly what it says. It doesn’t need much explanation. But it does lend to the idea that if you value your audience, you will take your time to edit and polish up your posts.
Which one was your favorite?
Leave it in the comments..
Want to read the other parts of the series? Here they are:
I so enjoyed this post. Great quotes by talented writers. Robert Frost’s quote really resonates with me. This is a great series for bloggers to read, as there are so many bloggers out there, but such a small percentage that are well written. You may have a great subject, and much knowledge to share, but if your blog is poorly written, you won’t have the impact or reach your topic deserves.
Great post – thanks for sharing!
Hi Hector,
Thanks for putting this together. Some of those are my favorite quotes about writing and I loved seeing the pictures too. The thing about the quotes is that they’re always great reminders, it never gets old to read them!
I can’t wait to see the upcoming posts in this series. I know it’s going to be great!
Stacy
… that’s exactly why I put it together. In an attempt to help more people write more creative and compelling content..
thanks for sharing your thoughts Beth
Thanks Stacy.. I thought the pictures was a nice touch – thanks for confirming that =)
There’s a lot more to come.
Hello Hector nice article my friend, writing is surely an on going learning experience for many including my self.
I think the more practice you have the better you’ll get over time because you can always learn from some of the best writers from all over the world.
I totally agree Rob.. practice may not make perfect, but it will make you better than yesterday. =)
There ideas are really awesome. Thanks for the share
Thanks for sharing Ed..
These quotes are smart, inspiring and at the same time, contain tips that every writer, blogger and content producer should start applying. Thank you for sharing them, Hector.
Speaking specifically to your question on the C.S.Lewis quote – He would know. For those of you who only know his Christian writing, you should read his science fiction. I’m not sure what he would do now with this platform, but I am sure it would do all of the things you wrote about – make a difference in this world by writing things that matter to people. Very anti-fluffy.
And I hope you won’t think this comment is fluff.
Hi Hector,
Really enjoyed these quotes! I particularly liked “The scariest moment is always just before you start.” – I would add that writing is quite exciting once you get your first sentence on the page. I also find it much more exciting to write something more substantial than a blog post, such as an eBook. Once the first line is on the page, it’s a work in progress
I guess I picked the good ones.. =) thanks for the comment Wayne..
No fluff at all.. appreciate your comment and I’m sure you’re right.
That’s exactly it Ben.. and that one is one of my favorites because it speaks to the voice inside our heads that’s constantly making us scared. ..but once the first line hits the page, you’re off to the races.
thanks for the comment
Hmmm. Hemingway it has to be! Even though “colorful” expletives aren’t my bag.
I recently challenged myself to do 10 articles in a series about blogging….
two down and 8 to go,
Usually I’m a sit down and write and it is done. Might read through and make a few changes, but my second article was a pain…cut, paste, delete, reword…endless agony!
A very stimulating collection of Mind Joggers.
Cararta
Great quotes from great people and more good tips hector thanks alot from a dude who needs bigtime advice on the subject (never had to write this much in my life) i get the motivation i need here-thanks man
Hi, Hector, good post and I love what Hemingway said, so accurate. I’m a big fan of Elmore Leonard, he says ‘leave out the bits readers don’t read’. I like that. Although I’m English I seem to prefer American writers, they cut to the chase more. I’m a big satire fan, as you’ll see if you check out Cut limbo, do you like Carl Hiassun? If you want a laugh, check him out. Best regards, Peter
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