In moments of dark despair, some writers fall back on the wisdom of others who, in years past, trod the lonely path of the artist, yet flourished. And others just like quotes. A warning, though. Writers can be curmudgeons. They can be cruel. Luckily, their quotes, though of questionable motivational worth, can be entertaining:

“Finishing a book is just like you took a child out in the back yard and shot it.” ~Truman Capote

“I’m realizing that everything has been too easy for my characters so far. I think I need to maim one of them.” ~Ross Willard

“It’s splendid to be a great writer, to put men into the frying pan of your imagination and make them pop like chestnuts.” ~Gustave Flaubert

“Science fiction writers, I am sorry to say, really do not know anything.” ~Philip K. Dick

“Everywhere I go I’m asked if I think the university stifles writers. My opinion is that they don’t stifle enough of them. There’s many a best-seller that could have been prevented by a good teacher.” ~Flannery O’Connor

“Writing is not necessarily something to be ashamed of, but do it in private and wash your hands afterwards.” ~Robert A. Heinlein

“I would advise anyone who aspires to a writing career that before developing his talent he would be wise to develop a thick hide.” ~Harper Lee

“I went for years not finishing anything. Because, of course, when you finish something you can be judged.” ~Erica Jong

“Writing saved me from the sin and inconvenience of violence.” ~Alice Walker

“I wrote a few children’s books. Not on purpose.” ~Steven Wright