Writing About Writing. 7 Quotes From Famous Writers On How We Can Become Better Writers On Steem-Part 1

Writing is its own reward.
– Henry Miller

Intro

In its purest sense, blogging is writing. And, to be successful in it we must learn from successful writers past and present. To begin, let’s take a look at Tarzan and John Carter creator Edgar Rice Burroughs’ interesting take about being a successful writer:

I have been successful probably because I have always realized that I knew nothing about writing and have merely tried to tell an interesting story entertainingly.
– Edgar Rice Burroughs

What stood out to me was the last part of the quote and sums up what I believe to be the gist of both fiction and non-fiction writing: to tell an interesting story entertainingly. We have all had the experience of reading short articles only to stop halfway through because it did not meet our expectations. Readers read to be entertained, to understand, to feel, but it has to be interesting, compelling, and mesmerizing content. Otherwise, we just move on to the next title.

So, at the risk of self-incrimination, I am writing this post with the intention of sharing what I have learned from skimming through quotes from successful writers.

Disclaimer: This post is intended for those new to writing; to give a perspective on how to approach and attain a rudimentary level of success in it. For seasoned writers, this might not be for you as it covers only the bare bones. However, you are most welcome to read and share your thoughts that may help us newbies.

Here goes nothing!

A blank piece of paper is God’s way of telling us how hard it is to be God.
– Sidney Sheldon

Anyone Can Write

Writing can be difficult, but it need not be. Like Gusteau, from the 2007 movie Ratatouille, who believes that “anyone can cook”, I too believe that anyone can write -- and I am not alone. Researching online I discovered that there are many who subscribe to this philosophy. Maya Angelou said it best when she associated these two seemingly disconnected worlds.

Writing and cookery are just two different means of communication.
–Maya Angelou

It’s magic when things fall into place, like the Maya Angelou quotation and the previous paragraph I wrote referencing Ratatouille, which made me really happy.

People in general have written something, used words to describe, to state a fact, to express what you feel. Whether it’s in English or another language, communication is a must to survive in the world. Even deaf people have sign language. To my point, and Maya Angelou, all of us are equipped and have to some degree already used the hardware needed to write: from ideas and experiences, where it all starts, to the creative writing where it will eventually be read by eager readers. In a way, this makes writing the next step in the natural progression of how we communicate.

I'm happy to be a writer - of prose, poetry, every kind of writing. Every person in the world who isn't a recluse, hermit or mute uses words. I know of no other art form that we always use.
–Maya Angelou

Just Write

We can all agree that everyone communicates and uses language, but you say writing is just a different animal. I don’t understand grammar and syntax and what have you – and, I don’t know anything about literature either. So, what? For me, it’s perfectly okay to write trash. Let me explain with a quote from science fiction writer C.J. Cherryh, whom scientist honored by naming an asteroid after her, who wrote:

It is perfectly okay to write garbage—as long as you edit brilliantly.
– C. J. Cherryh

In Writing, Patience is a Virtue

And I am the first one to admit this, my writing is garbage. Almost every single one, if not all of my writing starts out as rubbish. What makes it more readable is the patience to revise and rewrite, which is basically what editing is all about.

Not yet convinced that you can write? Mark Twain imparts a damn simple suggestion to get us to edit our stuff.

Substitute 'damn' every time you're inclined to write 'very'; your editor will delete it and the writing will be just as it should be.
–Mark Twain

As the post became longer than what I had planned for, I decided to post the 1st Part for brevity. Stay tuned for Part 2...

Thanks for dropping by and have a nice day everyone!

I found the quotations here. The image is mine.
https://www.writersdigest.com/writing-quotes
https://www.brainyquote.com/topics/writing-quotes
https://www.inc.com/glenn-leibowitz/50-quotes-from-famous-authors-that-will-inspire-yo.html