8 quotes to emulate from famous authors

From Winston Churchill to Fran Lebowitz, insights long and short about the craft.

One of my nerdy little hobbies is collecting quotes about writing by famous authors. But I just don’t collect them—I read them, regularly.

I find that reading a good quote is a bit like a shot of Vitamin B, or, even, a splash of cold water in the face. It energizes you—by helping you resolve to do better.

At other times, a pithy quote is like a tour guide pointing out an important bit of scenery in a strange country. “Oh, that’s what I should be noticing,” you say to yourself.

Finally, the telling quote can also be a laugh line—a chance to guffaw at your own writing foibles (much more effective than crying over them).

Here are eight of my favorite quotes, collected over the last year:

1. Winston Churchill (1874-1965) knew a thing or three about the high-stakes game of persuasive writing. Here is his well-honed advice:

If you have an important point to make, don’t try to be subtle or clever. Use a pile driver. Hit the point once. Then come back and hit it again. Then hit it a third time—a tremendous whack.

To read the full story, log in.
Become a Ragan Insider member to read this article and all other archived content.
Sign up today

Already a member? Log in here.
Learn more about Ragan Insider.