Revision & Self-Editing Quotes

“You keep writing because it's the only way to finish the book.”
― James Scott Bell, Revision & Self-Editing: Techniques for transforming your first draft into a finished novel

“Give yourself permission to be bad. Write first, polish later.”
― James Scott Bell, Revision & Self-Editing: Techniques for transforming your first draft into a finished novel

“Sometimes writing a novel feels about as rewarding as turning a spit in the fires of hell.”
― James Scott Bell, Revision & Self-Editing: Techniques for transforming your first draft into a finished novel

“When our characters show us the full fire of that inner battle, we have the makings of great fiction. For whether the choice is ultimately for honor or dishonor, we will see the consequences and the reader will be instructed without being taught.”
― James Scott Bell, Revision & Self-Editing: Techniques for transforming your first draft into a finished novel

“You don't always have to render the feelings of your characters, but you must know what they are in every scene. That way, the actions and dialogue will have an organic complexity that breathes life into fiction.”
― James Scott Bell, Revision & Self-Editing: Techniques for transforming your first draft into a finished novel

“Start by asking if this is writer’s laziness as opposed to writer’s block.”
― James Scott Bell, Revision & Self-Editing: Techniques for transforming your first draft into a finished novel