Happy Wednesday! Today, as we sit at the midpoint of the week, perhaps pondering the ebb and flow of inspiration, let’s take a moment to listen to the voices of those who’ve paved the literary roads we tread upon.
The muse — that ever-elusive sprite of inspiration — is a concept writers have grappled with for ages. But what did some of literature's giants have to say about it? Here's a midweek dose of wisdom:
F. Scott Fitzgerald: "Genius? It's the ability to put into effect what's in your mind. Nothing more."
Isabel Allende: "For me, literature isn’t an end. It’s a means of communicating."
Ernest Hemingway: "For the true writer, each work is a new beginning, a new attempt to reach the unreachable."
Madeleine L'Engle: "Wait not for inspiration. Often, it finds you at work."
Samuel Johnson: "Without effort in writing, there's little joy in reading."
E. L. Doctorow: "Writing can be like driving in fog. Trust your headlights and keep moving."
Toni Morrison: "My debut? Written because I wished to read it."
J.K. Rowling: "I write for my amusement. It's a journey of self."
William Faulkner: "Inspiration? It strikes at nine each morning."
Octavia E. Butler: "Rely on habit, not fleeting inspiration. Habit stands by you."
It seems the consensus is clear: while the muse is a welcomed guest, it's our discipline, passion, and habits that truly shape our narratives. So, as you approach your writing today, remember that inspiration can be both a spontaneous spark and a flame that's meticulously kindled.
-Andrew
The Indie Author Method
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