I wrote in the War of Art that I could divide my life neatly into two parts: before turning pro and after. After is better.

The Spartans say that any army may win while it still has legs under it; the real test comes when all strength is fled and the men must produce victory on will alone.

The counterfeit innovator is wildly self-confident. The real one is scared to death.

To yield to Resistance deforms our spirit. It stunts us and makes us less than we are and were born to be.

The artist and the mother are vehicles, not originators. They don't create the new life, they only bear it. This is why birth is such a humbling experience. The new mom weeps in awe at the little miracle in her arms. She knows it came out of her but not from her, through her but not of her.

You are a writer when you tell yourself you are. No one else's opinion matters. Screw them. You are when you say you are.

If you're are paralyzed with fear it's a good sign. It shows you what you have to do.