Are you paralyzed with fear? That’s a good sign. Fear is good. Like self-doubt, fear is an indicator. Fear tells us what we have to do. Remember one rule of thumb: the more scared we are of a work or calling, the more sure we can be that we have to do it.

Don't cheat the world of your contribution. Give it what you've got.

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.

Always attack. Even in defense, attack. The attacking arm possesses the initiative and thus commands the action. To attack makes men brave; to defend makes them timorous.

The most important thing about art is to work. Nothing else matters except sitting down every day and trying.

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.

When you're a working writer, sooner or later friends and acquaintances will get you alone and confide that they, too, have a book in them.