I’ve discovered writing quotes possess the power to clarify values, stimulate reflection, and call to action. 

As much as I esteem my writing practice, there are times when I’m uninspired, unfocused, and unmotivated. No writer ever wants to face this, but it’s our reality, at times. 

For inspiration, direction, and motivation, here are 3 quotes to awaken the writer in you. Every time I read them, they confirm what I hold dear about my writing practice. And they make me want to write.

#1: “You become a writer by writing. There is no other way. So do it, do it more, do it better.”

~Margaret Atwood

Best selling author, Margaret Atwood, shares how to embrace a writer’s identity and it’s not an ancient Chinese secret. 

If you write, you are a writer, simply put. And as a writer, you should…

Focus on the writing, pure and simple. 

It doesn’t matter if you haven’t published anything or don’t have an audience yet. 

Write because it feels right. Do it because it feels good getting your ideas out of your head, and even better on to Word or Google Docs, and finally on your blog. 

Write because it’s satisfying and fun. 

And in the process of writing and writing more, you will improve and finish what you started.   

#2: “To err is human, to edit is divine.”

~Grammarly

I saw this playful take on the proverbial phrase by Alexander Pope in Grammarly, a grammar tool I use to edit my work.

It made me smile because it’s one of the suggestions I shared in Three Surefire Ways to Improve Your Writing. 

Writing a shitty first draft tantalizes me, but it’s the refining and pruning of the draft that’s magical. 

I love transforming a vague idea into a well-thought-out blog post, but without editing it, it can remain vague and never be polished. No one can write anything amazing the first time.

That’s why I also value feedback from others. Working with my writing buddy helps me see things I may not see, tweak a sentence or paragraph, add more detail, or cut something out.

Never underestimate the power of the editing process. 

#3: “Write so people can learn.”

~Patty Shank

When I saw this quote, a tiny tear fell down my cheek. Lifelong learning is one of my core values. I can’t help that it shows up in everything I do, including writing. 

Writers have many reasons for their craft — they tell stories, share information, evoke emotion, and more. 

All that’s cool, but if writing doesn’t impart a lesson or help you grow in some way, what’s the point? 

Patty’s quote refers to instructional writing, which varies from blogging or memoir writing. I don’t care though. 

I write so people can learn.

Can you tell? 

Lately, I’ve been heeding the call to write because I’m writing a memoir about my dad who recently passed away. And the call becomes a faint whisper, I refer to these writing quotes.  

Writing is satisfying and rewarding…and then there are times when it’s exasperating and frustrating. There’s nothing like a meaningful quote to inspire and awaken the writer in you.

Do you have a favorite writing quote that awakens the writer in you? Let me know in the comments.

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In July, I’ll start sending you information about the fall session of Write at this Moment, my online writing circle. If you’re an aspiring blogger who wants to write more, an avid journaler who feels led to blog or write a book, or the”non-writer” inspired to write for personal pleasure and sometimes public expression on social media WATM is for you. We’re a small gathering of writers who come together to focus on writing, pure and simple.