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

The critic hates most that which he would have done himself if he had had the guts.

To labor in the arts for any reason other than love is prostitution.

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

Is there a spiritual element to creativity? Hell, yes. Our mightiest ally (our indispensable ally) is belief in something we cannot see, hear, touch, taste, or feel.

Don't prepare. Begin. Our enemy is not lack of preparation. The enemy is resistance, our chattering brain producing excuses. Start before you are ready.

Don't wait for someone else to validate you. Validate yourself.