Non-magic writing tips

Loading groceries in the car this morning, I’m thinking, OK, now that’s done, there’s no excuse not to write some more, which wasn’t that attractive on a hot day. I remembered a list of quotes by writers on writing which I used to give my students. Time to look at them again and get their simple magic, which is, basically, there is no magic greater than just doing it.

I go to my studio every day, because one day I may go and the angel will be there. What if I don’t go and the angel comes?
Philip Guston

I do not have anything profound to offer mother-writers or worker-writers except that it will cost you something. Anything of value is going to cost you something.
Toni Cade Bambara

I write a couple of hours every day, even if I only get a couple sentences. I put in that time. You do this every day and inspiration will come along. I don’t allow myself not to keep on trying. It’s not fun, but if you wait until you want to write, you’ll never do it. Dave Barry

There is no such thing as a born writer.  It’s a skill you’ve got to learn.  You’ve got to write X number of words before you can write anything that can be published, but nobody is able to tell you how many words that is.
Larry Brown

Suppose a glassblower’s apprentice is lucky enough to be naturally good at goblet stems.  Should she quit because she’s bad at vase necks?  No.  She goes to work, she learns. . .  Here is the only rule I’m willing to make about writing:  Honor your apprenticeship.  Call yourself a learner.            Bill Roorbach

There are no good stories.  Only the singer really matters, seldom the song.
John Gregory Dunne

Everybody has talent.  What is the rare is the courage to follow that talent to the dark place where it leads.
Erica Jong

What they call talent is nothing but the capacity for doing continuous hard work in the right way.
Winslow Homer

To have the gift of words is no such great matter.  A man does not become a hunter by mere possession of a firearm; many other qualities of character and temperament are necessary.
Joseph Conrad

If everyday life seems poor to you, do not accuse it, accuse yourself, tell yourself you are not poet enough to summon up its riches.
Rainer Maria Rilke

All the way to heaven is heaven. [i.e. maybe: the joy of finishing/publishing can't be greater than the joy of the journey or you'll finish]
Saint Catherine of Siena