A writer writes with his genius; an artist paints with hers; everyone who creates operates from this sacramental center.

The best and only thing that one artist can do for another is to serve as an example and an inspiration.

Ambition, I have come to believe, is the most primal and sacred and fundament of our being. To feel ambition and to act upon it is to embrace the unique calling of our souls. Not to act upon that ambition is to turn our backs on ourselves and on the reason for our existence.

Writers think in metaphors. Editors work in metaphors. A great reader reads in metaphors.

The professional does not permit himself to become hidebound within one incarnation, however comfortable or successful. Like a transmigrating soul, he shucks his outworn body and dons a new one. He continues his journey.

We’re all pros already. 1) We show up every day 2) We show up no matter what 3) We stay on the job all day 4) We are committed over the long haul 5) The stakes for us are high and real 6) We accept remuneration for our labor 7) We do not overidentify with our jobs 8 ) We master the technique of our jobs 9) We have a sense of humor about our jobs 10) We receive praise or blame in the real world

Don't prepare, do. Don't let Resistance sucker you into wasting months on background, foundation, planning. All that can come later.