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I am a lover of quotes. I collect them like snow globes, fountain pens and new memoirs. I marvel at the wittiness of their authors. How did they find just the right mix of words to inspire me so?
Just last week, my friend Mark Combs, blogger at Splinter in the Mind’s Eye, sent me a link to an inspiring collection of quotes by famous authors—some familiar to me, others I’d never seen.
I have a theory about quotes. They are so popular (are they all over your Facebook stream, too?) precisely because they make us feel good. They bring us an ‘aha moment.’ We smile, giving the words an instant to burn into our brains before tripping along our merry way. Here are a few:
You never have to change anything you got up in the middle of the night to write. - Saul Bellow
Write to please just one person. If you open a window and make love to the whole world, so to speak, your story will get pneumonia. - Kurt Vonnegut
One of the few things I know about writing is this: spend it all, shoot it, play it, lose it, all, right away, every time. Do not hoard what seems to be good for a better place. Something more will arise for later, something better. - Annie Dillard
Don’t get me wrong. Inspiration has its place. And a whole industry has sprung up to help us with that part. The conferences, speakers, books and greeting cards that make me feel good because, “I’m a writer.”
Yet 75 percent of conference goers who buy a speaker’s book after the inspiring, spell-binding presentation will put it on the bookshelf when they get back home, where it will sit and collect dust.
Because inspiration isn’t enough.
Inspiration is the easy part.Since I got serious about writing this book, thanks to my brilliant editor Victoria Mixon, author of The Art & Craft of Story, I’ve been paying more attention to the advice that moves me closer to publication. The stuff that my friend Larry Brooks at the Storyfix blog parcels out (I like to call him the Dr. Phil of the Literary World). It’s sort of the ‘tough love’ thing.
Beyond inspiration: words for writers who want to be successful
While my writer self still needs inspiration, I now find more value in the how of writing, rather than the why. I seek out the advice givers who admit it’s hard work, but worth it. And I believe that the following words can apply, no matter your life’s work. Because we are all telling stories in one form or another as we go through life:
If you want to be a writer, you must do two things above all else: read a lot and write a lot. - Stephen King
What I try to do is write. I may write for two weeks, ‘the cat sat on the mat, that is that, not a rat.’ And it might be the most boring and awful stuff. But I try. When I’m writing, I write. And then it’s as if the muse is convinced I’m serious and says, ‘Okay. Okay. I’ll come.’ - Maya Angelou
And an interview with Ernest Hemingway:
Interviewer: How much rewriting do you do? Hemingway: It depends. I rewrote the ending to ‘Farewell to Arms,’ the last page of it, 39 times before I was satisfied. Interviewer: Was there some technical problem there? What was it that had you stumped? Hemingway: Getting the words right.
I leave you with a favorite Mixon quote of mine:
‘Will this be the final draft?’ you ask. ‘I mean, really—how many drafts could it possibly take?’ This is the hollow, diabolical chorus of laughter from every serious writer who has come before us on the planet, living or dead. That laughter isn’t fading away. It’s getting louder and more cacophonic—…until it degenerates into the deafening noise of Original Chaos, exactly how the universe sounded before the Big Bang. (I’m sorry. I don’t make them do that. They just launch into it every time someone asks this question.) - Victoria Mixon
So, what’ the most unsexy trait of successful writers (and other humans)? I believe it is hard work and a commitment to see things through to the end. And I agree with Woody Allen:
80 percent of success is just showing up.
What do you think?
Does plain old hard work trump talent?
Do you need both?
Do you think inspiration is the easier part?
About the author
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I think hard work and humility? I know that sometimes I hear, ‘As much as I’d love to be a basketball players, I can’t do much about being short and slow.’ I wonder if the same applies to writing sometimes? I can get better, but can I be really good–or just not quite as bad?
That’s why I think maybe it takes hard work and humility–and an honest critic. If I show up every day and write. And if I have someone who will honestly give feedback. And If I can handle that and show up again. I’ll get better and have a wonderful chance of becoming good.
Interesting point you bring up: “I can get better, but can I be really good—or just not quite as bad?” My opinion? I think we are so concerned about the quality of our work (at least I am) that sometimes we forget how important it is to just keep going, keep producing those drafts. I have had to train myself in my first drafts to not concentrate so much on each word I put down, but to get the story out, in all its raw splendor. And to write a lot. Every day.
The honest feedback part is crucial. I have belonged to critique groups and they can be valuable. But, in some cases, I am not sure how “honest” the feedback has been. Now, working with an experienced editor who has guided many writers through the process, I am getting the best kind of feedback and developing that tough skin that writers need.
I think we shouldn’t judge how “good” we are. Just writing regularly is going to go a long way toward improving the quality. Thanks for sharing your insights here.
Judy Lee Dunn recently posted..The Most Unsexy Trait of Successful Writers (and Other Humans)
Whew; the showing up part I can do and if I’m getting a passing grade for that then the rest is gravy.
Yes, I think there has to be some grind it out, un-glamorous, un-sexy work that has to get done; the core work if you will.
I think a little dose of talent helps but I also think it’s a matter of making all the pieces fit together too.
In my world of sales I have seen so many ‘can’t miss’ people walk through the doors; and they don’t make it. I imagine it would be similar with writing where certain parts of their game is really strong and others are enough of a deal breaker, they won’t get the job done.
Look at some of the ‘average’ writers who have knocked it out of the park from a financial standpoint (50 Shades of Grey) and how many brilliant writers do you know who will never be more than a starving artist?
It’s never just ‘one’ thing that will be a good predictor of success…..in my opinion…..
Bill Dorman recently posted..K.I.S.S.
Your experience in the sales world is spot on, Bill. Some people have that natural charm that would seem to be a real plus in sales. But they may not have the work ethic. What is it they used to say? It takes 9 no’s to get to a yes? (Wonder if that’s still true.)
I noticed this when I taught in the gifted program. Kids would come in with off-the-chart IQs and would think all they have to do is sit there and look smart. But they were also graded on what they produced and the quality of their projects, which was a rude awakening for some of them. I this world, for most of us, we do not succeed on looks or intelligence alone. Well, maybe some, like the Kardashians.
And don’t get me started on “50 Shades of Grey.” Financial success? Very much so. Smart at tapping into a market? Yes. Quality literature? Not so much.
Judy Lee Dunn recently posted..The Most Unsexy Trait of Successful Writers (and Other Humans)
No means maybe in my world; hell no means maybe not today……:).
Bill Dorman recently posted..K.I.S.S.
Told this to @bobwp and he had a good chuckle. I’m taking it that the 9 no’s-to-each-yes rule no longer applies. : )
Judy Lee Dunn recently posted..The Most Unsexy Trait of Successful Writers (and Other Humans)
The other one is the ‘no soliciting’ sign on the door. Obviously that doesn’t mean me because I’m not trying to sell you anything, I just want to introduce myself…..:).
Bill Dorman recently posted..The mother of all lists; the list of One
Haha. That’s what they must mean by foot in the door. A LOT has changed in sales over the years.
Judy Lee Dunn recently posted..The Most Unsexy Trait of Successful Writers (and Other Humans)
Good evening, Judy.
50 Shades of Grey used in the same paragraph as literature – let alone ‘quality literature’??
Per-leeese!
But you’re quite right about the tapping into a market bit – if I thought anyone would be interested in the weird and wonderful nonsense floating about in my miniscule mind I’d be there like a shot too.
Kind regards,
L
Linda recently posted..How To Become A Tirolean Tempter Or Temptress
Haha. A writer after my own heart. Another non-fan of 50 Shades. You should seriously consider excavating that weird and wonderful nonsense from your brain. Crazy seems to be selling well these days. Thanks for visiting!
Judy Lee Dunn recently posted.. Show And Tell: What I Learned About Blogging from First Graders
Good thoughts and some great quotes. I’m not certain about writing, as I’m reasonably new to that, but for everything else I’ve done and seen, I can certainly agree that 80% is showing up. That’s with a couple of caveats. One is that we need to pay attention. Blindly repeating mistakes still counts as showing up but seldom offers success. The other is an outgrowth of the first: it normally takes skill to succeed, which comes from practice.
Looking at some of the best selling books I’ve tried to read but had to put down, talent isn’t the first thing I think of when it comes to success.
Of course, the other 80% is luck. (nobody ever said that math skill were necessary to write)
michael mckee recently posted..It’s good to write in coffee shops
You know, Michael, I’ve always had mixed feelings about the Woody Allen quote. Especially with the words “showing up.” I think perhaps what he was meaning to say was to show up in the sense that you are there every day, doing the work. And, yes, learning from those mistakes is important.
The other 80 percent? Haha. I like the quote (oh, here comes another one) that goes something like, “I’ve noticed that the harder I work, the luckier I get.” Thanks for weighing in here.
Judy Lee Dunn recently posted..The Most Unsexy Trait of Successful Writers (and Other Humans)
Judy, quotes are one of my favourite things along with raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens…..wink….I really do love them. Hard work is what it’s all about. The “inspiration” is what I personally need to get my butt in gear.
Funny, I just made a video for Read This Stuff! which is a book review page on our site. The reason it’s relevant is that my wife and I found a product that is all about quotes which we featured. Check it out if you have a sec….http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=glNwWl6s6U4&feature=player_detailpage
Ralph recently posted..IRL: Is IN REAL LIFE all that its cracked up to be?
Hey, Ralp. Whatever works for you. We were having a similar discussion over on Lisa Ahn’s wonderful blog. http://bit.ly/OxVgNt
Some people can take that next leap after the inspiration and others, like me, get so much enjoyment from the inspiring quotes that we just want to jump over to some more to read. And on and on. If they manage to kick you in the butt and get you moving, I say, hooray for you! I admire that.
Thanks for the link. I will definitely check it out. Tell me, when my book comes out, would you consider reviewing it? : )
Judy Lee Dunn recently posted..The Most Unsexy Trait of Successful Writers (and Other Humans)
Hey, I just called you Ralp!
Judy Lee Dunn recently posted..The Most Unsexy Trait of Successful Writers (and Other Humans)
I know! At least you didn’t call me Frank (don’t ask).
Are you kidding? Of course I would LOVE to review your book as long as it suits the content of what we are doing over there. “Learn, Share, Accept and Act” are our “guiding principles” which you can also check out here…..http://theviewfromhere.ca/get-some-help/ Have fun!
Ralph recently posted..Perception: The Art of Advocating for Your On-line {social} Presence
You have to be willing to do the work. You have to be willing to sit down and grind it out over and over and over and over and over- you get the point.
Inspiration is great and talent is a bonus but sweat is what gets the job done.
Josh recently posted..When I Die…
You, my friend, are wonderful proof of the “sweat equity” part. I bet, as much as you have been writing lately, that you can see the progress and improvements. The grinding out is the unsexy part. But it’s how all published authors got there.
Judy Lee Dunn recently posted.. Show And Tell: What I Learned About Blogging from First Graders
I think I am seeing some progress but the big challenge is turning off the internal editor inside my head. He is a brutal taskmaster who is rarely satisfied.
But there is much joy in the journey and a deep appreciation for having people to walk with.
Josh recently posted..How Long Does It Take To Build A Community?
You got THAT right, Josh. The journey is perhaps the most exciting part.
That inner critic was—is—still the hardest part for me. My editor says the first draft is for the writer, and no one else. You just let it pour out of you. That took a lot of the pressure away for me. She says the middle drafts are for the characters. They have a story and it’s our job to find it and tell it. And the final drat is for the reader. I’m simplifying her advice here, but you get the picture. I highly recommend her book, The Art & Craft of Story (link is above). I don’t make a penny on her sales, but this book helped me so much I just have to share it.
I am so fortunate to have met someone like you who is going on this same journey. Makes me feel not so alone. : )
Judy Lee Dunn recently posted..The Most Unsexy Trait of Successful Writers (and Other Humans)
Could it be the bald spots (result of hair-pulling)? The widening at the rear from spending so much time sitting in front of a desk? The pale skin from spending so much time indoors, book in hand? The carpel-tunnel wince?
Hm ….
Also: Talent is great, but if it’s to be successful, it will be work.
Eleanor recently posted..Being Outside: Not just for homeless people
Okay, now you are getting all “physical unsexy” on me. But, yes, we can include those, too. We can all relate. : )
I agree. I think you have to have some basic talent (and usually if you love to write, you do). But it’s working the muscles that will get your work noticed. Thanks for visiting!
Judy Lee Dunn recently posted..5 Hollywood Sequel Tricks to Turn Your Sizzling Blog Post into a Series
It’s all about the “DO”, and to quote my friend Yoda: “do or do not, there is no try”. I LOVE the Ernest Hemingway interview quote (“getting the words right’…cracked me up). And I’m having a deja vu…I feel like I already commented on this post, but I don’t see it here. So…if this is a repeat comment that either repeats itself or is entirely in left field, I’ll just say it’s a two-for-the-price-of-one comment, haha! Cheers! Kaarina
Kaarina Dillabough recently posted..What will you do today to pay-it-forward?
I adore that Yoda quote. I had it on a poster in my classroom when I used to teach first grade. And, no I don’t see any other comment from you. Sometimes I write comments in my head and think I’ve posted them, but haven’t. That may just be crazy me, though. Thanks for stopping by, Kaarina.
Judy Lee Dunn recently posted..The Most Unsexy Trait of Successful Writers (and Other Humans)
Perhaps it was crazy me, then, in this instance:) Would love to Skype with you some time to talk “writing”. Would you be up for that?
Kaarina Dillabough recently posted..What will you do today to pay-it-forward?
Would absolutely love to do a Skype call with you. Writing is one of my favorite topics. The ‘pencil-and-paper’ me is thinking it probably better be when Bob is around. But, yes, let’s find a time soon to do that!
Judy Lee Dunn recently posted..The Most Unsexy Trait of Successful Writers (and Other Humans)
I’ll look forward to it! Maybe we can connect by email with some possible date(s)/time(s) [I'm on EST] and make it happen:)
Kaarina Dillabough recently posted..What will you do today to pay-it-forward?
We are heading into a holiday weekend here in the states. I’ll message you with a few time choices for the week of September 4th (Monday, September 3rd being Labor Day here). : )
Judy Lee Dunn recently posted..The Most Unsexy Trait of Successful Writers (and Other Humans)
Sounds great! It’s Labour Day here on Sept. 3rd as well (note the Canadian spelling, haha!), so it’s a long weekend for us too. Enjoy!
Kaarina Dillabough recently posted..What will you do today to pay-it-forward?
Another very enjoyable read Judy. I’ve long been drawn to quotes and obviously I’m among the masses. There’s just something about the short construct of a phrase that sneaks past all interpretive defenses and lands a hammer blow against the strings of thought. I envy the brevity and appreciate the churning of coals that just needed an abrupt stir to burn brightly yet again.
Quotes are the graffiti that so many gifted sages have spray painted on the interior walls of my skull so that my brain might find order and direction mid the chaos that rages.
Thanks Judy!
Stirring the coals. I like that. I get lost in quotes, too. I just need to remember to think less and do more.
Hope you are out of harm’s way with that pesky Isaac bearing down.
Judy Lee Dunn recently posted..The Most Unsexy Trait of Successful Writers (and Other Humans)
No real concerns with Isaac, as we are in the north corner of Florida’s eastern shoreline a few miles away from the point were the beach gives way to Georgia. Glad that one didn’t continue to stregthen as it traversed the warm waters of the Gulf.
Well, now. I I wasn’t so lazy, I would have just looked you up on the map. Seems that the overall impact of Isaac won’t be what was expected. And that indeed is good news. Good to hear you aren’t in the red zone, Mark.
Judy Lee Dunn recently posted..The Most Unsexy Trait of Successful Writers (and Other Humans)
It’s easy to be constantly inspired, but it’s what you do with it that matters. I don’t know how many times I’ve gone to conferences, seminars, small groups, read a book, etc. that inspired me and then…I move on. I forget what inspired me, or life gets in the way, or the decision to take the next steps is “too hard” so I drop it and find something else to inspire me. The hardest part is taking action. If every person took action from what inspired them, can you imagine the impact it would have on the world? Maybe we’d actually get something done for achange instead of just talking it to death.
Always inspiring, Judy….
Kat collins recently posted..I Got An Award? Oh Goodie!
I agree with you. The very fact that inspiration is usually an “in the moment” thing makes it much harder to sustain the enthusiasm (and to translate the feelings into action). I think about that old quote about success—something about it being 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration. I didn’t fully internalize that until I started writing this book.
Judy Lee Dunn recently posted..The Most Unsexy Trait of Successful Writers (and Other Humans)
Hi Judy,
You beat me to it in the comments! I read this yesterday and it made me think a lot. I’d been working on my own post on inspiration, and so I decided to reply, in part, to your ideas on hard work and inspiration, from a slightly different angle. Then, I meant to come back and comment here, once I’d got my thoughts sorted, more or less, but you beat me to it.
I do love the quotations that you have here and, as you said in your lovely comment to me, there is certainly a gap between loving the idea of a quotation and then trying to apply it to your own life. I think, for me, I’ve been focusing more on inspiration lately as a way to think creatively, to find unique solutions to challenges, to recreate the shape of my days, my writing, how I go about readjusting to life after a head injury.
I’m glad to be in this conversation with you! Thanks
Lisa Ahn recently posted..Be Inspired
Lisa,
I really enjoyed your post. Such good stuff to think about. I don’t know how in the world you juggle home schooling with your writing. I am rather in awe of you. : )
I had not heard about your head injury! When we were living in an apartment in southern California, the pipes in the apartment of a woman across the hall from us broke. I ran in to help her move her brand new couch before it was ruined and the ceiling collapsed on me. The doctors at the hospital referred to me as “Chicken Little.” So I can relate to what you must be going through. I had migraines from that injury for several years. (Had never experienced a migraine before. They are brutal!)
I’m going back now to subscribe to your blog.
Judy Lee Dunn recently posted..The Most Unsexy Trait of Successful Writers (and Other Humans)
Thanks so much Judy. For me, it wasn’t pipes but ice. I slipped on black ice while walking the dog. Sometimes I blame the dog, but it was really my own stubborn insistence on taking a walk that day . . .
Lisa Ahn recently posted..Be Inspired
Well, I can add nothing more to this brilliant thread of inspiration and rumination. It’s all so true and perfect.
Maybe instead (with spoon in hand) I’ll take the anti-position and say that sucesss *now* perhaps has nothing to do with unsexy hard work, but all to do with good looks (your package), who you know (your connections) and your exposure (five minute fame). That seems to work in everything else surely, so why not in this case as well? *wicked cackle*
Di Mace recently posted..5 free image sites to legally find the perfect picture
Haha. I think even of Hollywood, my daughter having been in the biz. Many of the “overnight successes” have been out there for years, starting with bit and extra parts, walk-ons, off-off-off Broadway, etc. before they hit it big. So they have paid their dues. I can’t remember the name of the site but the one that chronicles each actor’s credits, from the very beginning? It is just amazing to read. So, even in Hollywood, good looks don’t usually make you a star overnight (although in Hollywood, good looks definitely help). Thanks for stopping by, Di.
Judy Lee Dunn recently posted..The Most Unsexy Trait of Successful Writers (and Other Humans)
Man oh man…great post! And what you say here, in the comments:
I think we are so concerned about the quality of our work (at least I am) that sometimes we forget how important it is to just keep going, keep producing those drafts.
Yes yes and yes…I know not to be that way, search for the perfect and yet I still do it, lol. Am thinking I really do need to just write everyday, anything, and it don’t not matter if it aren’t not perfect, as long as there be something to edit.
Deb recently posted..The Power of Play in Writing
Oh…and I do think it is a little of both, but depending on the person and or situation the balance is different. For me, inspiration is, or at least seems to be, easy. It’s the struggle to get that first draft out and done when I am freezing up with trying to write it perfectly.
Deb recently posted..The Power of Play in Writing
This has been a very interesting discussion here in the comments. You hit on the dangers of perfection here. That is another whole—huge— issue. Part of that commitment to just putting your head down and writing is to not pay attention to that pesky critic sitting on your shoulder. If you write your first draft for yourself (not your reader and not your inner critic), in my experience, that helps greatly. Thanks for visiting our community!
Judy Lee Dunn recently posted.. Show And Tell: What I Learned About Blogging from First Graders
Two years I sat down with a professional mentor of mine. We catch breakfast once or twice a year, and he speaks into my life. Among other things, I brought up my desire to write. I thought, “This is a big deal. I’m opening up my heart about wanting to be an author. I’m sure he’ll be encouraging, and maybe even a little impressed.”
He wasn’t. At least not in the way I thought he would be.
Listening to my giddy, sparkly-eyed dreams about writing, he dismissed the sentiment with two words. “Writers write” he said, and moved to the next point of conversation. I go the point. Since then I’ve launched a blog, developed the discipline of writing regularly, and have been published. I’m taking small, tangible steps.
It’s not sexy, but it’s moving forward.
Thanks for the post!
Joe Wickman recently posted..How to Start the School Year – Parent Edition
Wow, Joe. You were a quick study if you got the message from those two words (“Writers write”). I agree that that is the just about best two-word advice on writing I’ve ever encountered. Writers don’t TALK about writing. They write. Took me a long time to get to that stage. Thanks for sharing your story with us. : )
Judy Lee Dunn recently posted.. The Hollywood Guide to a Better Blog Tagline