25 Writing Tips From Famous Writers
Learning from someone with experience can be invaluable. Experienced individuals can offer practical insights, share lessons learned, and provide guidance that you might not find in textbooks. They can also help you avoid common pitfalls and speed up your understanding of a subject.
We gathered 25 proven writing tips from bestselling authors from today and the past.
1. “If it sounds like writing, I rewrite it.” -Elmore Leonard
Steinbeck and Leonard offer similar writing wisdom. Whether you read it aloud or rewrite it, follow their advice and discover how to make your writing sound less like… writing.
2. “When you’re stuck, and sure you’ve written absolute garbage, force yourself to finish and then decide to fix or scrap it - or you will never know if you can.” -Jodi Picoult
Jodi Picoult, an American author, has sold over 14 million copies of her 24 novels. She reminds us that writers must challenge themselves and persevere.
3. “Always carry a notebook. And I mean always. Short-term memory only retains information for three minutes; unless it is committed to paper, you can lose an idea forever.” -Will Self
Will Self has authored ten novels, five short stories, three novellas, and five collections of non-fiction writing. The English novelist isn’t the only writer to carry a notebook at all times. Even billionaire Richard Branson, the English business magnate, carries a notebook everywhere he goes. Carrying a notebook to jot down quick ideas is incredibly beneficial. It allows you to capture fleeting thoughts that could turn into your next great work. By writing them down, you prevent those ideas from being lost and avoid the distraction of trying to remember them later.
4. “Ignore all proffered rules and create your own, suitable for what you want to say.” -Michael Moorcock
A few years ago, The Guardian asked some of the most esteemed contemporary authors about their writing principles and advice. Michael Moorcock embraces the concept of “writing what you desire.” Start by envisioning yourself as the audience, crafting a story that you would enjoy. After that, unleash your creativity!
5. "There is nothing to writing. All you do is sit down at a typewriter and bleed." - Ernest Hemingway
Every writer aims to achieve their flow state and stay in it. Ernest Hemingway advises that you should sit down with your writing tools and, figuratively, bleed. Let your thoughts to flow, no matter how challenging it may be. Leave the editing for later.
6. “Every sentence must do one of two things -- reveal character or advance the action." -Kurt Vonnegut
In his 50-year writing career, Vonnegut published 14 novels, three collections of short stories, five plays, and five works of non-fiction. He is best known for his distinctive blend of science fiction, dark humor, and social commentary. Some of his most famous works include “Slaughterhouse-Five,” which explores the horrors of war and the nature of time, and “Cat’s Cradle,” which critiques science and religion.
According to Vonnegut, every sentence in a short story must do one of three things — reveal character or advance the plot. This principle ensures that writing stays focused, engaging, and purposeful, propelling the narrative forward while also deepening the reader’s understanding of the characters.
7. “You can’t wait for inspiration, you have to go after it with a club.” -Jack London
Jack London (1876–1916) was an American novelist, journalist, and social activist, best known for his adventurous stories and the exploration of themes like survival and human endurance. Some of his most famous works include “The Call of the Wild,” which follows a domesticated dog’s journey to embrace its wild nature in the Yukon wilderness, and “White Fang,” which tells the story of a wild wolf-dog’s domestication.
Regarding inspiration, Jack London went on to say, “and if you don’t get it, you will nonetheless get something that looks remarkably like it.” While inspiration can be a powerful motivator, it’s often more effective for writers to establish a regular writing routine instead of waiting for inspiration to strike. Writing consistently helps develop skills, generates ideas, and can lead to unexpected moments of creativity.
8. “I went for years not finishing anything. Because, of course, when you finish something you can be judged.”-Erica Jong
Erica Jong (born 1942) is an American author, poet, and essayist best known for her groundbreaking novel “Fear of Flying” (1973), which explores themes of female sexuality, independence, and the complexities of modern relationships. Jong has struggled with the fear of sharing her work. She emphasizes that first drafts do not need to be perfect. Allow yourself to write freely without worrying about how it will be received. Shift your mindset from seeking approval to enjoying the act of writing itself. This can help reduce anxiety about the final product. Lastly, be kind to yourself and recognize that every writer experiences doubts and fears. Embrace the idea of making mistakes and learning from them.
9. “Forget the books you want to write. Think only of the book you are writing.” -Henry Miller
It’s common for writers to set aside a project, leaving it unfinished. To overcome this, revisit your motivations. Consider why you started writing the novel in the first place. Reconnecting with your original inspiration can rekindle your enthusiasm for the project.
Set realistic goals. Break the writing process into smaller, manageable tasks to make the finishing part feel less daunting and more achievable.
Finally, establish a writing routine. Creating a consistent writing schedule helps you stay accountable and make steady progress over time.
10. You have to write badly before you can write well
“You don’t start out writing good stuff. You start out writing crap and thinking it’s good stuff, and then gradually you get better at it. That’s why I say one of the most valuable traits is persistence.” Octavia Butler
“It takes a lot of bad writing to get to a little good writing.” Truman Capote
“The dirty secret of art is you don’t have to show people your bad writing. That’s what we have the delete key for.” Robert McKee
It is common for budding writers to create work they perceive as poor or subpar. Writing is a skill that develops over time, and early attempts often reflect the learning process. Many successful authors began with imperfect work as they honed their craft. It’s important for new writers to embrace these early efforts as valuable steps in their journey, allowing for growth, experimentation, and improvement.
11. “You have to get to a very quiet place inside yourself. And that doesn’t mean that you can’t have noise outside. I know some people who put jazz on, loudly, to write. I think each writer has her or his secret path to the muse.” -Maya Angelou
Maya Angelou (1928–2014) was an American author, poet, memoirist, and civil rights activist celebrated for her influential works and profound impact on literature and society. She believed that finding an appropriate space for writing was crucial for creativity and focus. In her writing routine, she would set up a simple workspace with minimal distractions, allowing her to immerse herself fully in the writing process. She frequently expressed her preference for writing in a hotel room or a quiet, isolated setting, away from distractions. A writer should create a space that feels both comfortable and inspiring.
12. "A short story must have a single mood and every sentence must build towards it." -Edgar Allen Poe
To ensure that every sentence in a story builds towards a singular mood, first define the mood you want to evoke from the outset and maintain it consistently throughout the narrative. Choose words and phrases that resonate with the intended mood. For example, if you’re aiming for a somber tone, employ darker, more introspective language. Additionally, ensure that the characters’ actions, dialogues, and internal thoughts reflect the overarching mood, enhancing the emotional resonance of the story. You should also use the setting to reinforce the mood—descriptions of the environment, weather, and sensory details can significantly contribute to the overall emotional tone. Finally, keep in mind that every word counts in a short story. Eliminate unnecessary details and focus on what is essential to the plot and character development.
13. “Read, read, read. Read everything - trash, classics, good and bad, and see how they do it. Just like a carpenter who works as an apprentice and studies the master. Read! You'll absorb it. Then write. If it's good, you'll find out. If it's not, throw it out of the window.” -William Faulkner
It’s essentially a universal recommendation from all accomplished writers: to be a good writer, you must read a lot. Reading a variety of authors and genres exposes writers to diverse writing styles, techniques, and voices, which can inspire and influence their own work. Analyzing how other writers construct their narratives helps writers learn about pacing, plot development, and character arcs, enhancing their storytelling skills. Reading widely expands a writer’s vocabulary and comprehension of language, enabling them to express ideas more effectively and creatively. It also encourages critical analysis and reflection, prompting writers to think deeply about themes, character motivations, and the impact of different narrative choices.
14. “In the planning stage of a book, don’t plan the ending. It has to be earned by all that will go before it.” -Rose Tremain
Numerous writers might dispute this quote. If envisioning the end from the beginning suits you, then this guidance may not apply. However, English novelist Rose Tremain proposes that you should earn the ending through the development of your narrative.
Some writers prefer to approach their stories organically, allowing characters and plot twists determine the conclusion. This often results in surprising and creative endings. As characters grow throughout the narrative, their development can naturally steer the story toward an unexpected resolution, enhancing its authenticity. Ultimately, writers must find a balance that suits their style, whether it involves careful planning or welcoming spontaneity in their process.
15. “If you’re using dialogue, say it aloud as you write it. Only then will it have the sound of speech.” -John Steinbeck
John Steinbeck, a Pulitzer Prize winner and Nobel laureate, has shared an abundance of wisdom. Reading your text aloud can help ensure that it flows smoothly conversation.
Hearing dialogue allows writers to assess its naturalness and realism, reflecting actual speech patterns. This approach prevents stilted or overly formal language that doesn’t fit the characters. By vocalizing dialogue, writers can evaluate its rhythm and pacing, ensuring conversations flow smoothly and maintain the desired energy and tension.
16. "Never use a long word where a short one will do." - George Orwell
Eric Arthur Blair, better known by his pen name George Orwell, was an English writer renowned for his novels 1984 and Animal Farm. He preferred straightforward writing over using long, complicated words. In the absence of skill, using long words can make you seem pretentious. They are also awkward to read and disrupt the reader’s flow. Simple words are usually clearer and easier to understand, making it easier for readers grasp the intended message. Simple words can often express the same meaning as complex ones but more concisely, enhancing the overall flow of the writing.
17. "Quantity produces quality. If you only write a few things, you're doomed." - Ray Bradbury
Ray Bradbury’s suggestion resembles the mantra of Silicon Valley’s software community: move fast and break things. Utilize every spare moment for writing, even if you don’t intend to share it with anyone. This practice will enhance your writing skills.
18. “You have to actually write. Daydreaming about the book you’re going to write someday isn’t writing. It’s daydreaming. Open your word processor and start writing.” - Andy Weir
“The graveyard is the richest place on earth because it is here that you will find all the hopes and dreams that were never fulfilled, the books that were never written, the songs that were never sung, the inventions that were never shared, the cures that were never discovered, all because someone was too afraid to take that first step, keep with the problem, or determined to carry out their dream.” - Les Brown
“You must have strong self-discipline. You are working alone. No one is employing you. No one is around to give you the sack if you don’t turn up for work, or to tick you off if you start slacking.” - Roald Dahl
“Write something every day, even if it means getting just a few sentences on the screen.” - Janet Evanovich
Another common mantra among accomplished writers is that you must be disciplined and write every single day. Regular practice helps writers enhance their skills and develop their unique voices over time. Establishing a daily writing routine fosters discipline, turning writing into a habit rather than a sporadic activity.
19. “Show up, show up, show up, and after a while, the muse shows up, too.” - Isabel Allende
Allende went on to say, “I need to tell a story. It’s an obsession. Each story is a seed inside of me that starts to grow and grow, like a tumor, and I have to deal with it sooner or later.”
Isabel Allende has often emphasized that writing regularly is crucial for refining one’s craft and maintaining a connection to creativity. She believes that regular writing fosters discipline and enables writers to explore their thoughts and ideas more deeply.
20. “If you don’t have time to read, you don’t have the time — or the tools — to write. Simple as that.” -Stephen King
“If you want to be a writer, you must do two things above all others: read a lot and write a lot. There’s no way around these two things that I’m aware of, no shortcut.” Stephen King
“The only way anybody ever learns to write well is by trying to write well. This usually begins by reading good writing by other people, and writing very badly by yourself, for a long time.” Ursula K. Le Guin
Read everything – the trash, the classics, the good and the bad – and observe how they do it. Just like a carpenter who works as an apprentice and studies the master. Read! You’ll absorb it.
21. "Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication." –Leonardo Da Vinci
Here are a few more quotes to get the point across.
“Use the smallest word that does the job.” E.B. White
“Writing isn’t about using words to impress. It’s about using simple words in an impressive way.” - Sierra Bailey
“The most valuable of all talents is that of never using two words when one will do.” Thomas Jefferson
“If you can’t explain it to a six-year-old, you don’t understand it yourself.” - Albert Einstein
“The shorter and the plainer, the better.” Beatrix Potter
22. “The historian records, but the novelist creates.”E. M. Forster
E. M. Forster, or Edward Morgan Forster, was a British novelist, essayist, and critic born on January 1, 1879. He is best known for his novels such as “A Room with a View,” “Howards End,” and “A Passage to India.” Forster believed that creativity is an essential part of being human, allowing individuals to express their experiences and emotions, and serving as a means to bridge gaps between individuals and societies.
23. “This is how you do it: you sit down at the keyboard, and you put one word after another until it’s done. It’s that easy, and that hard.” - Neil Gaiman
Neil Gaiman has often spoken about the importance of being disciplined in writing every day. He believes that establishing a daily writing routine is crucial for developing one’s craft and nurturing creativity. Gaiman has stated that writing is like a muscle that needs to be exercised regularly to grow stronger.
24. “Don’t tell me the moon is shining; show me the glint of light on broken glass.” -Anton Chekhov
This quote exemplifies the classic principle of “show, don’t tell.” ‘Show, don’t tell’ is a fundamental principle in writing that emphasizes the importance of allowing readers to experience the story through actions, sensory details, and emotions instead of merely stating facts. By showing rather than telling, writers create a more immersive experience, pulling readers into the narrative and making them feel like active participants. It also fosters memorable imagery. Vivid descriptions and actions create lasting impressions in readers’ minds, making the story more memorable and impactful.
25. "You can fix anything but a blank page.” -Nora Roberts
Putting pen to paper is a recurring theme from many authors. Nora Roberts believes that writing regularly helps develop and refine skills, build discipline, and maintain momentum in the creative process. Roberts often shares that establishing a routine and committing to daily writing enables authors to overcome challenges such as writer’s block and self-doubt.
26. “Protect the time and space in which you write. Keep everybody away from it, even the people who are most important to you.” -Zadie Smith
As writers, safeguarding our personal space from daily distractions is essential. Roommates, friends, family, work, and even the neighbor’s dog can hinder our ability to create our best work. It’s perfectly justified to prioritize your personal space when it comes to your work.
27. Be a writer first and an editor second
“I’m a writer first and an editor second … or maybe third or even fourth. Successful editing requires a very specific set of skills, and I don’t claim to have all of them at my command.” Lynn Abbey
“Some editors are failed writers, but so are most writers.” T.S. Eliot
“Substitute ‘damn’ every time you’re inclined to write ’very’; your editor will delete it, and the writing will be just as it should be.” Mark Twain
“No author dislikes to be edited as much as he dislikes not to be published.” Russell Lynes
Professional editors are skilled at spotting grammatical errors, typos, and inconsistencies that can undermine the quality of writing. An editor can clarify ideas and enhance the overall flow of the narrative, ensuring that the writing communicates effectively to its intended audience. Skilled editors provide valuable insights into the piece’s organization, suggesting ways to improve its structure and pacing for better engagement.
28. “Give the reader at least one character he or she can root for.” - Kurt Vonnegut
The protagonist should be relatable, possessing flaws that enable readers to easily connect with their journey. The same goes for an anti-hero; they should possess some redeeming qualities, even if we just love to hate them. A relatable character allows readers to connect emotionally, which enhances the impact of their journey. Readers often appreciate characters who face real-life dilemmas and evolve throughout the story.