10 secrets to great writing from bestselling authors

From Tom Wolfe to Danielle Steel—yes, Danielle Steel—here are some useful and inspiring tips from successful wordsmiths.

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Sure, Cousin Sarah might be a prolific blogger in her spare time, but her day job is pet grooming. Or was it working on an oil rig?

You, on the other hand, are a writer. Whether you’re churning out press releases, editing a company newsletter, penning articles, or blogging for your company or client, you make your living on words. Congratulations.

Next time you’re questioning this decision, or staring at a blank screen hoping for inspiration to strike, try invoking the words of successful writers.

Writer’s Digest compiled a list of 90 quotes from best-selling authors. With its permission, we’ve reprinted 10 favorites.

Don’t wait for inspiration—make it happen

“My advice is not to wait to be struck by an idea. If you’re a writer, you sit down and damn well decide to have an idea. That’s the way to get an idea.” —Andy Rooney

Writers need intestinal fortitude

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