I trust your week is filled with words flowing smoother than a river and plot twists exciting enough to make M. Night Shyamalan blush. Today, we're drawing inspiration from a gem of contemporary fiction—Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Picoult.
If you're familiar with Picoult's work, you know her words pack a punch. She has an uncanny knack for unearthing universal truths in the most complex of situations. So, let's dive right into some quotes from Nineteen Minutes that can guide and inspire us on our writing journey.
"There are two ways to be happy: improve your reality, or lower your expectations." Writing can be tough, no denying that. The rejections, the writer's block, the feeling that your story just isn't good enough. Picoult's wisdom? Alter your reality by constantly learning and improving your craft. Alternatively, adjust your expectations. Remember, every word you write is a victory, every finished story a triumph.
"When you begin a journey of revenge, start by digging two graves: one for your enemy, and one for yourself." Conflict is the heart of any good story. But as authors, it's important we handle it with care. Revenge, conflict, or any high-stakes plotline should never be used thoughtlessly. It should serve your story and characters, not overshadow them.
"In nineteen minutes, you can stop the world; in nineteen minutes, you can simply drift off into space or...you can just lose it all." This quote hits home the idea of how precious time is. Every minute we spend on our craft is meaningful. So, commit to the process. Those nineteen-minute writing sprints? They add up. That stolen moment to jot down a dialogue idea? It counts.
"We can't choose who we love." As an author, you've probably experienced this with your characters. Sometimes, they come alive and pull your story in directions you never planned. Embrace it. Love your characters, let them lead, and you might just find your story becoming richer for it.
Jodi Picoult’s words remind us that writing, like life, is complex, surprising, and above all, a journey. So here's to you, my fellow word-weavers – may we all continue to find joy, fulfillment, and endless adventure in our writing paths.
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