20 Famous Writing Quotes to Inspire You

Introduction

Writing can be both a challenge and a joy. It is a journey filled with highs and lows. In those moments when words seem hard to find, I find that the wisdom of other writers can reignite our creativity, from the humour of Douglas Adams (one of my all-time favourite authors) to the insight of Maya Angelou. Whatever stage you are at on your writing journey, let these 20 writing quotes from famous authors inspire and motivate you!

Famous Writing Quotes by Legendary Authors

'Writing is the most fun you can have by yourself.' — Terry Pratchett

Terry Pratchett was a British author best known for his fantastically funny 'Discworld' series, which is set in a satirical fantasy world on the back of a giant tortoise. Some of my favourite books of his are 'The Colour of Magic' and 'The Last Hero'. Despite being diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in 2007, he continued to write, producing several more books. Renowned for his wit and insightful social commentary, he was knighted in 2009. Terry Pratchett sadly passed away in 2015.

'When writing, I can lose myself in the story. In creating the world, I am no longer in mine.' — Patrick Rothfuss

Patrick Rothfuss is an American fantasy author best known for his 'The Kingkiller Chronicle' series. His debut novel, 'The Name of the Wind', was celebrated for its rich storytelling and intricate world-building. Rothfuss also founded the charity Worldbuilders in 2008, which helps support global humanitarian efforts.

'The world always seems brighter when you’ve just made something that wasn’t there before.' — Neil Gaiman

Neil Gaiman is a British author renowned for his imaginative storytelling across many different genres. His works, including 'American Gods', 'Coraline', and 'The Sandman', blend myth, fantasy, and reality.

'There is no real ending. It’s just the place where you stop the story.' — George R. R. Martin

George R. R. Martin is an acclaimed American author, best known for his epic fantasy series' A Song of Ice and Fire'. His richly detailed worlds, complex characters, and unpredictable plots have captivated millions of readers worldwide. Martin's intricate storytelling and willingness to defy genre conventions have solidified his place as an important figure in the landscape of contemporary fantasy literature.

'The creative adult is the child who has survived.' — Ursula K. Le Guin

Ursula K. Le Guin was an American science fiction and fantasy author known for using profound philosophical themes in her work. Her books, including 'The Left Hand of Darkness' and the 'Earthsea' series, explore diverse cultures, gender, and societal structures. Le Guin's writing was deeply influenced by her Taoist beliefs. She was a literary giant who left behind a legacy of being one of the most visionary and socially conscious writers of her time.

'You can make anything by writing.' — C. S. Lewis

Clive Staples Lewis (or C.S. Lewis) was a British writer and scholar. He was celebrated for his works of fiction, theology, and literary criticism. His beloved 'Chronicles of Narnia' series has enchanted generations of children with its allegorical depth and imaginative world-building.

'Words are, in my not-so-humble opinion, our most inexhaustible source of magic.' — J. K. Rowling

'The stories we love best do live in us forever.' — J. K. Rowling

J.K. Rowling is a British author who is celebrated for creating the 'Harry Potter' series, which has inspired readers of all ages. Beyond her literary success, Rowling is known for her philanthropy. In 2005, she founded the charity Lumos, which helps disadvantaged children worldwide.

'There is nothing to writing. All you do is sit down at a typewriter and bleed.' — Ernest Hemingway

Ernest Hemingway was an iconic American writer. He is best known for his concise prose style. He revolutionised modern literature. Hemingway's adventurous life, from war correspondent to big-game hunter, infused his writing with authenticity and depth. His impact on literature endures to this day. He has inspired generations of writers with his raw emotional honesty and narrative power.

'There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.' — Maya Angelou

Maya Angelou was an influential American poet, memoirist, and civil rights activist. She perfectly captured the essence of resilience and empowerment in her writing. Even now, her words continue to inspire readers worldwide with their lyrical style and unwavering commitment to social justice.

'You fail only if you stop writing.' — Ray Bradbury

Ray Bradbury was an American author known for his imaginative storytelling. His iconic works, including 'Fahrenheit 451' and 'The Martian Chronicles', explore profound themes such as censorship, technology, and the human condition.

'Almost all good writing begins with terrible first efforts. You need to start somewhere.' — Anne Lamott

Anne Lamott is a bestselling American author known for her candid and humorous writing style. Her writing explores faith, family, and personal growth. Her books, such as 'Bird by Bird' and 'Traveling Mercies', blend memoir and spiritual reflection. Lamott has a unique voice and offers keen insights into the complexities of life.

'Amateurs sit and wait for inspiration, the rest of us just get up and go to work.' — Stephen King

Stephen King is a massively prolific and influential American author. He is best known for his mastery of horror, suspense, and supernatural fiction. He has written over 60 novels and numerous short stories, some of which have left a lasting impression on popular culture.

'And by the way, everything in life is writable about if you have the outgoing guts to do it, and the imagination to improvise.' — Sylvia Plath

Sylvia Plath was an American poet and novelist. She was celebrated for her intense writing that delves into themes of mental illness, femininity, and existential despair. Her most important work, 'The Bell Jar', is inspired by her own struggles with depression and societal expectations. Sadly, in 1963, Plath committed suicide. Despite her tragic end, though, Sylvia Plath's profound impact on literature continues to resonate with readers looking for insights into the human experience.

'Writing a novel is like running a marathon. Anybody can start, but to finish it successfully is a whole new challenge.' — Haruki Murakami

Haruki Murakami is a Japanese author renowned for his surreal and existential fiction that blends magical realism with contemporary themes. His novels, such as 'Norwegian Wood' and 'Kafka on the Shore', explore loneliness, alienation, and the search for identity in modern Japan. Murakami's unique, dreamlike narratives make him one of the most celebrated contemporary writers.

'You can’t wait for inspiration. You have to go after it with a club.' — Jack London

Jack London was an American author and adventurer. He was known for his tales of the wilderness, such as 'The Call of the Wild' and 'White Fang'. London's writing blended vivid realism with social critique. It often explored themes of nature versus civilisation and the human spirit's resilience in the face of harsh environments.

'The secret of getting ahead is getting started.' — Mark Twain

Mark Twain (or Samuel Clemens) was an iconic American writer known for his humour, satire, and keen social commentary. His literary works, including 'The Adventures of Tom Sawyer' and 'Adventures of Huckleberry Finn', captured the essence of 19th-century America. Twain's sharp wit and insightful observations continue to resonate with readers today. Beyond his literary achievements, he was a prolific lecturer and advocate for social justice. He has left a lasting impact on American literature and culture.

'Writing saved me from the sin and inconvenience of violence.' — Alice Walker

Alice Walker is an influential American writer and activist. She is known for her exploration of African American women's experiences. Her Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, 'The Colour Purple', touches on themes of racism, sexism, and resilience. Walker is also a celebrated poet and essayist.

'The only way to write is well, and how you do it is your own damn business.' — Ralph Waldo Emerson

Ralph Waldo Emerson was a leading American philosopher, essayist, and poet. His essays, including 'Self-Reliance' and 'Nature', emphasised individualism, spiritual growth, and the interconnectedness of all beings. Emerson's ideas influenced a generation of thinkers and writers.

'A word after a word after a word is power.' — Margaret Atwood

Margaret Atwood is a Canadian author who is celebrated for her speculative fiction, poetry, and essays. Her writing explores themes of feminism, dystopia, and environmentalism. Atwood writes across many different genres, from historical fiction like 'Alias Grace' to speculative fiction such as the 'MaddAddam' trilogy. She is a prolific writer and activist.

'Writing is easy. You only need to stare at a piece of blank paper until your forehead bleeds.' — Douglas Adams

Douglas Adams was a British author and humourist. He was best known for his science fiction series, 'The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy' (To this day, Marvin the Paranoid Android is my favourite literary character). Adams's witty and satirical style combined absurdity with philosophical inquiry. Beyond 'The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy', he wrote for radio, television and contributed to environmental causes.

Final Thoughts

Reflecting on the wisdom of literary greats reminds us that although writing can be very solitary, we are not alone in our struggles. These quotes offer guidance, encouragement, and a sense of connection to the wider community of writers. At the end of the day, writing is hard. You should be proud that you are one of the few people who dare to commit your words to paper (or to the screen) and share them with the world. I will end this post with one final quote:

'Art matters because it is the one thing that can save us.' — Neil Gaiman