What are Contemporary Authors Thoughts on Writing?

Writing Blog

We have all come across quotes about writing; the most popular, are usually quoted from the famous authors of all time like Jane Austin, Ernest Hemingway, and William Shakespeare, but what about contemporary writers? What do they have to say about writing these days?

  1. Every writer has their own routine and each one is different:

“My writing day is organised around my kids, . . . so writing time is limited and precious and often erratic. . . And I mostly write between 9am and 3pm, but not every day because of limited childcare. I’m not good at working in the evenings; I find I’m too tired.” – Jo Cotterill

Sarah Webb: Jo Cotterill Interview

“I write when and where the moment strikes. Ideally I get up around 7, write until 10 and then walk the dog. . . But really every day is different depending on other work I’m doing. I long for the day I have routine.” – Dawn O’Porter.

The Bookseller: 10 Questions: Dawn O’Porter

“Sometimes I’ll light a scented candle and make a cup of tea. But mostly I just sit down and write. I find it takes me a while to really ‘settle’ into writing mode but once I’m away then I’m good.” – Lotta Dann

The Writers College: Q&A With Lotta Dann – Writer, Blogger and Recovery Advocate!

“I narrate the story into my trusty Dictaphone. I work best outside in the open air, but even if I am indoors, I’m always pacing and on the move. I spend weeks talking to myself – my kids think I’m crazy.” – Lucinda Riley

Bookliterati: Book Reviews: Interview with Lucinda Riley

There is no one way to write, every author has their own preferred routine that works.

  1. Writers find inspiration everywhere, but it can take time to find it. A change of scene usually helps if a writer is stuck:

“I’m always overwhelmed with the sense that, this is it, I’m out of ideas, no more books for me ever. But then I get a jolt of inspiration from some random place – a movie, a song, a snippet of conversation I over hear at Starbucks, whatever – and off I go again.” – Ania Ahlborn

Morbidly Beautiful: Author Interview: Ania Ahlborn

“If my writing comes to a halt, I head to the shops: I find them very inspirational. And if I get into real trouble with my plot, I go out for a pizza with my husband.” – Sophie Kinsella

quotecities: Sophie Kinsella quote

“Sometimes the ideas just come to me. Other times I have to sweat and almost bleed to make ideas come. It’s a mysterious process, but I hope I never find out how it works, I like mystery, as you may have noticed.” – J.K. Rowling.

The Writers College: Famous Quotes On Writing

“. . . and I think most writers have it. They look with their eyes open and a sense of wonder. And by paying attention we find there are stories everywhere.” – Andy Shepherd

Madge Eekal Reviews: “Why I write what I write” by Andy Shepherd

Even though inspiration is everywhere it is still a surprise to find it and as J.K Rowling states it is a mystery to the writer, when it will randomly appear.

  1. Writers block is a challenge for every writer, sometimes:

“My first feeling was that there was no way to continue. Writing isn’t like math; in math, two plus two always equals four no matter what your mood is like. With writing, the way you feel changes everything.” – Stephenie Meyer

The Writers College: Famous Quotes On Writing
  1. Characters are determined to tell their story:

“I literally will be walking or driving or doing chores and a character will pop into my head. If they’re strong and have a vibrant world ready to share with me, that I can’t get them to shut up and I have to write their story-no matter what genre or plot line.” – Pepper Winters.

Beware of the reader: Interviews Pepper Winters
  1. Writers were ‘normal’ people once:

“And I had this story in my head for weeks. It wouldn’t go away. I would dream about it, scenes would play out in my head, and I’d be driving my kids home from playgroup and just keep circling the block because I didn’t want the thoughts and ideas to leave my head.” – Jay McLean

MissConstrued’s Reviews: More Than This (More Than This 1) by Jay McLean with INTERVIEW

“I wrote in every spare moment. . . my son was in a play . . . and had practise three hours a day, five days a week. So, I wrote during his play practise. . .  Now being an author is my full time job, so my writing hours are a little more flexible. It’s time consuming, but I love it and wouldn’t trade it for the world.” –  Colleen Hoover

Writers & Artists: Interview with Colleen Hoover
  1. Writers have flaws too, but writing is more about feelings than logic:

“. . . that’s how you learn by getting it wrong. I’m hopeless at spelling but that doesn’t matter. . . I do more work in editing afterwards. . . do what you love and keep at it.” – Liz Pichon

Book Trust: Liz Pichon: ‘I can honestly say I feel like I have the best job in the world!’

“I am very lucky in that I don’t understand the world yet. If I understood the world, it would be harder for me to write these books.” – Mo Willems

Reedsy: 150 Famous Writing Quotes to Help You During Every Stage of Writing

“Writing is a matter of trusting your heart and gut more than logic, because people aren’t logical. Characters should do crazy things because that’s real life and I think that’s what we should write about.”Tess Gerritsen

Writer’s Digest: 10 Tess Gerritsen Quotes for Writers and About Writing

As Liz and Tess point out the love of your craft and your emotional input is most important regardless of any flaws.

After reading these quotes, I believe there is a common thread running through them all. They are honest, raw, and relatable. They do not talk of writing as some mystical art form, where inspiration is a divine intervention. These authors sound like you and me. They are fallible, vulnerable but so deeply passionate about something they love very dearly. Most importantly  they are willing to share their experiences to encourage other ‘would be’ writers.

Finally, I will leave you with this quote by Lady Gaga

“When you make music or write or create, it’s really your job to have mind-blowing condomless sex with whatever idea it is you’re writing about at the time.” – Lady Gaga

Inc.: 50 Inspiring Quotes About Writing from the World’s Greatest Authors

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