21 fortunes and adages for writers

Whether you’re reading after eating Chinese takeout or in the middle of writer’s block, fortunes can be a fun exercise for writing professionals. Try these on for size.

Ragan Insider Premium Content
Ragan Insider Content

I’m not nearly clever enough to come up with, “The fortune you seek is in another cookie,” or, “It would be best to maintain a low profile for now,” but see what you think of these:

1. Leo Tolstoy handwrote War and Peace by candlelight.

2. Use the singular “they.” Go on. Try it.

3. Hypergraphia: A compulsion to write, sometimes uncontrollably.

4. Every time you misuse an exclamation mark, a puppy dies.

5. Clarity begins at home.

6. Read what makes you happy.

7. It’s all fun and games until you edit a friend’s copy.

8. Wasn’t there a Dickens novel about this?

9. Most of your writing is fine.

10. There is not an app for that. RELATED: Improve your writing today with this free guide.

11. “A preposition is a terrible thing to end a sentence with.”—Winston Churchill

12. A new pair of shoes will do you a world of good.

To read the full story, log in.
Become a Ragan Insider member to read this article and all other archived content.
Sign up today

Already a member? Log in here.
Learn more about Ragan Insider.