Reviews

Words to Inspire Writers

Some of the comments received to date about Words to Inspire Writers:

This is indeed an inspiring book for writers. From time to time we sit and stare into space and the wise or goading words of writers past and present may help you to pick up the quill and dip it into the ink pot again.

I, for one, will keep this book within easy reach. After all, if I’m going to be distracted, it may as well be by the wisdom of others.

The book is designed as a perpetual calendar, with three quotes for every day of the year: one each for the stages of preparation, creation and celebration. You can also open it at random for pot luck or prepare yourself for erudition at parties.

One thing you can learn from this collection, is that some of the most famous and revered writers have had their periods of stuckness. As Epictetus wrote almost 1900 years ago: If you want to be a writer, write! (April 14).

We may embrace the hubris of Charles Lamb and declaim: Damn the age. I’ll write for antiquity. (August 19), or the humility of Mark Twain: A successful book is not made of what is in it, but what is left out of it. (March 23).

It is possible, of course, to find writers’ quotes for oneself on the internet, but it is so much easier to benefit from the obvious hard work and thought that Greg Babic has put into this collection and his organisation of the material. It seems that Greg agrees with GB Shaw: Some people see things as they are and ask “Why?”. I dream of things that aren’t and ask “Why not?” He has asked and answered that second question.

Many of us have experienced that writing can be a lonely way of life. We trawl our experiences and our unconscious for inspiration. Some of us allow family, friends and editors to make the process less lonely. For those who still feel isolated, dip into this book daily.

Daan Spijer, editor of THE AUSTRALIAN WRITER Issue #360 (June 2008-August 2008 )

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This is a treasury of inspiration, stimulation and fun for writers.

Dan Poynter, author of The Self-Publishing Manual

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No matter what page you open to you’ll find the experience, wisdom and inspiration of the best writers in the world to motivate and energize the work you do.

Paul J Krupin, author of Words People Love To Hear

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Filled with clever quips, bits of advice and inspiration, this book is not just for authors or wannabes, but for any literary-minded person.

Linda E Austin, author of Cherry Blossoms In Twilight

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Answers the questions, ‘Who am I as a writer?’, ‘What does my craft mean to me and to others?’, and ‘What can I do to better myself as a writer and a human being.’

Kathy Bruins, author of The Acts Of Grace

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A great source of encouragement, as well as a showcase of different writing styles. It will certainly be appreciated by authors, poets and teachers alike who enjoy classic literature and language.

Cheryl Pickett, author of Freelance Writing Basics

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An excellent selection of quotations that is a good, well-rounded choice to inspire writers to actually WRITE.

Meg Bertini, Publisher & President, DreamTime Publishing, Inc.