This post is part of Patty Wysong's
A to Z meme. This week's letter is "Q."
I love a good quote. Adore a great one. Can't stop thinking about an amazing one. I guess I'm just quirky that way. And, earlier this week, I found one. (yeah, all of the above)
Of course, many of my favorite quotes are from the Bible - Isaiah 53, Philippians 4, and the Psalms, among other places, are filled with verses that touch me, fill me, and change me. But there aren't many writing-related quotes (though I certainly can't say there are none!) in His Word. And the quote in question is definitely one that applies especially to writers.
And I've shared writer quotes here before (don't believe me? Check out this post.). And I know just about every writer of ANY kind has a favorite. And as a quadragenarian (my new FB/church friend Debbie Toretta-Sewers introduced me to THIS word), mine has changed several times. But this one, I dare say, will likely stick around for a while.
Okay - enough ado. Here it is!
"If you write FOR a particular market or FOR a particular editor you will often miss the mark. But if you write because your fingers have danced across the keyboard, because a character has tapped you on the shoulder, because a story has settled in your heart, then even if you never sell it you have done the work you were meant to do. And sometime, dear readers, real magic happens." Jane Yolen
Now do you see why I love it so much?
What's YOUR favorite quote?
Scripture Stories: Timeless Truths
Check out more Q posts, and/or add one of your own!
Owl Moon is one of my all time favorites!!! So fun to see such an amazing quote from Jane Yolen. And of course the dance part of it makes me think of Geselle's "dance" she refers to in life :) I can just pictures your fingers dancing over the keys now...love it! One of my forever best quotes: I cannot go back and make a brand new start.
ReplyDeleteI can start from now and make a brand new end.-
Not "my" quote...my favorite =-/ Can't remember the name of the guy who said it!-Ann
ReplyDeleteI KNEW you loved Owl Moon! (That's EXACTLY why I put it in the post, Ann LOL) - and I love YOUR quote too! Very cool. May have to look up the author. :) Thanks for stopping by - AND commenting!
DeleteGreat quote, Joanne.
ReplyDeleteThanks! So inspirational :)
DeleteI LOVE that quote, Joanne! I too, have many quotes that I like, from the Bible. But from other people, one of my favorites is from Winston Churchill, "Never, never, never give up." I also have another one from author John Irving that I heard him say during an interview once. But it is lengthy. It encouraged me to keep writing regardless of what others say!
ReplyDeleteLOVE when the good quotes are short :D - cuz then you can memorize them more easily. (Or maybe it's just me being lazy!) I've printed my quote out and have it hanging at eye level in my office. Really liking it there - but maybe I WILL try to memorize it,f or when I'm not sitting at my desk. And I'd love to see the John Irving quote.
DeleteOoooh, I love this! I'm not familiar with Owl Moon or Jane's writing, but may have to check her books out for my Little Man. Wishing you a Son-kissed weekend, Joanne. :)
ReplyDeleteDora, the "How Do Dinosaurs" books are REALLY cute and fun. I still like to look at them sometimes.
DeleteThanks for stopping by!
A good quote indeed! Quotes can be so inspirational. Thanks for sharing, Joanne.
ReplyDeleteYou're so welcome, Barb! Thanks for stopping by!
DeleteFantastic quote! I have far too many to pick a favorite. I love this one and the visual of my fingers dancing across the keyboard!
ReplyDeleteThat visual is my favorite part too! Thanks for stopping by, Karla!
DeleteHaving been a K teacher for over 23 years, Owl Moon was a curriculum staple. Love that quote! Now I'm retired and a fit coach for Koko Fit Clubs and my quote to my clients is: If you don't take care of your body, where will you live?
ReplyDeleteGreat post Joanne!
Thanks, Linda! Loving your quote, too! Thanks for stopping by.
Delete'Can't pick a favorite, so I'll just send a good one.
ReplyDelete"If you think that the finished book is of greater value than what you learned from the writing process, you are mistaken . . ."
-Terry Brooks
Ooh - that IS a good one! Thanks, Joanne!
Delete