Sometimes you just read the right book at the right time and it feels like magic. That’s how The Art of War for Writers by James Scott Bell was for me.
Note: Links for this book are affiliate links because I really think it’s a good book. If you buy something I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
The Art of War for Writers by James Scott Bell
I originally picked up The Art of War for Writers at my local library (you guys rock!) and I immediately blew through the short chapters in the book.
While earlier I’d been feeling a bit discouraged and stuck with my writing, Bell’s writing prompts sparked ideas. My enthusiasm for my writing projects grew and soon I was setting the book aside so I could jot down ideas.
The Art of War for Writers may not be the perfect book for everyone, but I definitely appreciated it. Despite being a spendthrift with limited bookshelf space (the pain is real!) I went online and bought myself a copy because I knew I’d be reading it again soon.
Here are a few of my favorite quotes from the book. I hope you find them helpful and inspiring!
Favorite Quotes
“A hero keeps writing, no matter what, knowing effort is its own reward; a fool eventually quits and complains that the world is unfair.
Be a hero.”
“A foundation in discipline is always the first step toward victory.”
“So learn from the greats. Read and study those you admire. But never compare yourself to them.
You are becoming the best you, not another them.”
“Put heart into everything you write.”
“Finish your novel, because you learn more that way than any other.”
“Write hard, write fast, and the fire of creation will be yours.”
“Edit slow, edit tough, with a process both clear and cool.”
“Disdain not the freshness of small improvements outside comfort zones.”
“Remember, speed in the opening is a matter of disturbance, not high levels of action… The faster we worry about a character, the quicker the bond. And the quicker our desire to turn the page.”
“Don’t let your characters say I love you to anyone, especially those they love.”
“Every character in every scene must have an objective, otherwise he shouldn’t be there. Replace him with a chair.”
“To write comedy, make the characters believe they are in a tragedy.”
“You are a writer. Not someone who wants to write a novel. A writer.”
“If you can write each day, do it, and meet a quota. Minimum 350 words a day. A baboon can do 350 words a day. Don’t be shown up by a baboon.”
“Do you hear the ka-ching? You should. Unless you can generate a logline that has it, you’re not ready to submit.”
“Always be ready to talk to someone in the elevator.”
“Don’t have a novel in progress?
Start one.”
“Always remember the two cardinal rules for the writer’s conference attendee: Don’t be dull and don’t be desperate.”
“”For long-term success, design a typical writing day and stick to it.”
“When you think about your career, be objective and cool.
When you write, be as on fire as you can be.
It is wisdom to know when to use fire, and when to use ice.”
“You have it inside you to fight this fight. Write, think about what you write, then write some more.”
“You are responsible for your own self-discipline. No one can find the time for you, or write the words for you.”
“Onward.
Keep fighting.
Keep writing.”
May you keep writing and keep fighting today, my friends! 🙂
