5 #WednesdayWisdom Quotes For Authors

If I have one solid thought on what my mother gave to me in my lifetime it was the love of the written word. My mother encouraged my reading from a young age and really pushed me to understand the power of words. They were our currency, our communion, our map through life’s undulating landscape. Just as the monarch butterfly instinctively navigates a migratory path laid down by countless generations, we, too, find our way in the world through the power of story.

In the symphony of the written word, every author is a unique instrument, each with their own melody to contribute. When we immerse ourselves in the wisdom of their quotes about writing, we are not just engaging with an isolated piece of advice. Instead, we are participating in a conversation with the collective consciousness of storytellers that span time and space. These quotes serve as guiding stars in the vast cosmos of our literary journey. They remind us that every story we pen is a droplet in the boundless ocean of human experience, capable of causing ripples that reach far beyond our own shores.

We learn that our stories are not just for us; they are gifts we give to the world. They can become someone’s solace in solitude, a beacon in their darkness, or a catalyst for their dreams. So, as we write, let us remember to do so with courage and authenticity, knowing that our words have the power to touch hearts, change minds, and even, on occasion, alter the course of someone’s life.

With this in mind, I’ve sifted through the sands of literary wisdom to bring you a selection of quotes from some of the most profound and prolific authors of our time: Stephen King, Philip Pullman, Libba Bray, Sue Monk Kidd, and Madeleine L’Engle. Some of these gems are gleaned from the heart of their narratives, for there is no better place to understand the craft of writing than within the stories themselves.

Stephen King, in his seminal work “On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft”, reminded us that writing isn’t about the glitz and glamour but rather about the shared human experience, about “enriching the lives of those who will read your work, and enriching your own life, as well”​​. King, with his relentless honesty, teaches us to write with authenticity, to tap into our own happiness, our own healing, and share that with the world.

Philip Pullman, in “Daemon Voices: On Stories and Storytelling”, says, “Stories aren’t made of language: they’re made of something else… perhaps they’re made of life”​​. Pullman’s words encourage us to see that our stories are not merely arrangements of words, but they are woven from the raw material of life itself. They carry the breath of our existence.

Libba Bray, in her novel “The Diviners”, asserts, “There is no greater power on this earth than story”​. Bray’s quote reminds us of the transformative power of stories, how they can shape societies, topple regimes, inspire innovations, and heal souls. In the hands of a writer, a story is the most potent tool.

Sue Monk Kidd, in “The Secret Life of Bees”, poignantly observes, “Stories have to be told or they die, and when they die, we can’t remember who we are or why we’re here”​. Kidd beautifully captures the essence of storytelling, a lifeline to our past, an affirmation of our present, and a compass pointing towards our future.

Finally, Madeleine L’Engle, in “A Circle of Quiet”, shares, “We turn to stories and pictures and music because they show us who and what and why we are, and what our relationship is to life and death, what is essential, and what, despite the arbitrariness of falling beams, will not burn”​​. L’Engle reminds us of the enduring power of stories and their ability to reveal our deepest truths, even in the face of life’s inevitable uncertainties and challenges.

In conclusion, let these quotes not merely resonate with you but also inspire you to cultivate your own stories. Remember, as writers, our voices can give shape to the amorphous, bring light to the obscure, and provide solace in the solitude. We are the weavers of dreams and the architects of imagination. May the power of your words navigate the hearts of many, and in doing so, may they help you find your own way too. For as we navigate this grand tapestry of life, we do so not alone, but hand in hand, story by story, word by word.