10 great quotes to inspire your writing

In celebration of 10 years of the Australian Writers’ Centre, we thought we’d source 10 really great quotes to motivate and inspire you to succeed. There are thousands of writing-related quotes out there, but these quote don't mention books, words, or writing but help us communicate 10 important messages.

If even just one of them lights something inside of you, then we’re happy… Enjoy!

#1: Either you run the day or the day runs you – Jim Rohn

That’s right – you can choose to believe that you have no time to write, or you can MAKE the time and own every second of every day. Even the busiest person on earth still has the same 24 hours. Go for it – the clock is ticking!

#2: Failure is the condiment that gives success its flavour – Truman Capote

Things aren’t going to always go to plan. But it’s because of those moments that success tastes so much better.

#3: My favourite machine at the gym is the vending machine – Caroline Rhea

What we’re saying here is that you don’t always have to work, work, work, and sweat 110% to get results. A little light distraction is fine every now and again. After all, simply making it to “the gym” is the hardest part!

#4: If you want to test your memory, try to recall what you were worrying about one year ago today – E Joseph Cossman

We sometimes get so wrapped up in the moment that we can’t see the big picture. By imagining yourself looking back on this in one year and how insignificant it is likely to be, you can focus on just being, not worrying. Deep breath – you can do this.

#5: Stop wearing your wishbone where your backbone ought to be – Elizabeth Gilbert

You don’t have to be eating, praying or loving to understand where this one is coming from. Quite simply, you won’t get to where you want to be just by wishing it to happen. As another proverb says, “Opportunity knocks when some are out in the backyard looking for four leaf clovers”. You need to put in the work.

#6: Every strike brings me closer to the next home run – Babe Ruth

This one is about not giving up. Keep swinging that bat (not literally, because law suits). Runs on the board, time in the game, step up to the plate! Keep knocking on that proverbial door and it will open.

#7: Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can. – Arthur Ashe.

Of course, Mr Ashe was a US tennis champion, so was probably speaking about a player’s approach to that game. But even if you don’t have the balls (or racquet), we love that this will remind you of what you need to do. Plain and simple.

#8: When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be. – Lao Tzu

Stop telling yourself that you can’t do it because you’re a banker or a bouncer, a cab-driver or a stay-at-home-parent. Ignore those inner doubts telling you that lawyers can’t be writers, grandmas can’t write grand manuscripts or geologists can't be novelists. Let go of who you are and become what you might be!

#9: Remember that happiness is a way of travel, not a destination. – Roy L Goodman

Enjoy the journey – because even when you’re a bestselling author, you’ll still spend most of your time on the journey!

#10: If you obey all the rules, you miss all the fun. – Katharine Hepburn

Remember to enjoy what you are doing! In writing there is no right or wrong – there is only YOUR voice and your own unique expression of it. Shake off preconceptions and insecurities about everything anyone else has ever done and simply tell your story.

For 10 years, we have loved introducing thousands just like you to the writing landscape. Ultimately, the most successful individuals are those who take in that landscape, get their bearings and then forge their own new path.

So on that note… after you…