Writers on writing

Put it before them briefly so they will read it, clearly so they will appreciate it, picturesquely so they will remember it, and above all, accurately so they will be guided by its light. —Joseph Pulitzer

I am returning this otherwise good typing paper to you because someone has printed gibberish all over it and put your name at the top.— English Professor, Ohio University

This novel is not to be tossed lightly aside, but hurled with great force. —Dorothy Parker

The man who does not read good books has no advantage over the man who cannot read them. —Mark Twain

You can’t wait for inspiration. You have to go after it with a club. —Jack London

When I sit down at my writing desk, time seems to vanish. I think it's a wonderful way to spend one's life. —Erica Jong

I love criticism just so long as it's unqualified praise. —Noel Coward