How to Create a Powerful Writer’s Quote

by DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills

We’ve all read powerful writer quotes that inspire, encourage, and motivate us to work harder for producing a better manuscript. Those quotes can jolt us from writer’s block, personal setbacks, harsh criticism, self-doubt, and a host of other brick walls that prevent us from writing our best. 

Often, we read a quote about writing and publishing . . . and feel a bit envious. 

Why didn’t I write that quote? It says exactly how I feel. 

Dear friend, you can devise a powerful quote that is uniquely and writerly yours. 

7 Steps to Creating a Writer’s Quote

1. What are you most passionate about in the world of writing, publishing, marketing and promotion?

• Where our emotions dwell is where we can mine the perfect quote.
• What words describe how you internalize the joy, victories, challenges, and defeats of the writing process?
• Are your feelings raw, symbolic, fresh, or emotional?

2. Are you an introvert or an extrovert? This aspect helps establish your point of view for writing.

• Introverts are comfortable working alone. This includes entertainment and social events. Introverts observe things happening.
• Extroverts are happiest when with people. They enjoy social gatherings and thrive on interaction and expression. Extroverts make things happen.
• A mix of introverted and extroverted traits means certain stimuli require specific responses. For example, most writers are introverts but may enjoy teaching the craft. They come alive and love every minute of it. When the event is over, introverts crash. When the writer is an extrovert, the mental stimulation is invigorating.

3. Establish an aspect of writing that fits the following:

• What part of the writing process do you enjoy the most?
• What part of the writing process challenges you the most?
• What part of the writing process do you enjoy now but at one time challenged you to tears?

4. Take the information from step 1 and apply the following:

• List verbs that fit your voice.
• List nouns that fit your voice.
• List emotions that fit your voice.

5. Arrange and rearrange the information gathered from steps 1, 2, 3, and 4.

• Create three sample writer quotes.
• Create three more writer quotes, each time pulling out the strongest statement.
• Choose the top three quotes and put them aside for one week.

6. At the end of one week, re-read these instructions and carefully edit your top three quotes.

• Which quote has the most impact?
• Which quote stands out as if you were speaking?
• Which quote would you proudly share with other writers?

7. Share with writers who care about you and will provide honest feedback

• Take notes of what is said that encourages or challenges you about the quote.
• Are the suggestions consistent?
• Edit the quote until you and your writerly friends are pleased.

Developing a writer quote takes a chunk of our hearts because we use transparency and what we treasure about the craft to inspire, motivate, and encourage others.

I challenge you to create your unique writer’s quote that shares your passion for the craft.

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How to Create a Powerful Writer's Quote from @DiAnnMills on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)

DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. She creates action-packed, suspense-filled novels to thrill readers. Her titles have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists; won two Christy Awards; and been finalists for the RITA, Daphne Du Maurier, Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol award contests. 

She is the former director of the Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference, Mountainside Marketing Retreat, and Mountainside Novelist Retreat with social media specialist Edie Melson. Connect here: DiAnnMills.com