Tuesday, May 27, 2008

Robert Harris on writing



In the course of my work on The Ghost, which I had the privilege of working on for Select Editions volume 297, I came across two exemplary quotes by author Robert Harris that I can’t resist sharing with our readers. Note to all aspiring writers: tack these quotes up on your bulletin boards for daily inspiration:
“Of all human activities, writing is the one for which it is easiest to find excuses not to begin—the desk’s too big, the desk’s too small, there’s too much noise, there’s too much quiet, it’s too hot, too cold, too early, too late. I learned over the years to ignore them all and simply to start.”

“A book unwritten is a delightful universe of infinite possibilities. Set down one word, however, and immediately it becomes earthbound. Set down one sentence and it’s halfway to being just like every other book that’s ever been written. But the best must never be allowed to drive out the good. In the absence of genius there is always craftsmanship.”

—Barbara

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