Just Write Quotes

“Why? Because intercharacter conflict works its magic. What Rose (the writer) did was bring together twelve distinct characters, each with his own background, baggage, and personality, and throw them into what is essentially a great, big argument. Therein lies the real untapped secret of creating conflict: orchestration. That means you cast your characters so they have the potential of conflict with every other character.”
― James Scott Bell, Just Write: Creating Unforgettable Fiction and a Rewarding Writing Life

“In your first ten pages you can have three sentences of backstory, used all at once or spread out. In your second ten pages you can have three paragraphs of backstory, used all at once or spread out. But if you put backstory or exposition into dialogue, then you're free to use your own discretion. Just be sure the dialogue is truly what the characters would say and doesn't come off as a none-too-clever info dump.”
― James Scott Bell, Just Write: Creating Unforgettable Fiction and a Rewarding Writing Life

“Third: Act first, explain later. Stamp this axiom on your writer's brain. Or put it on a note and tape it where you can see it. This advice never fails.”
― James Scott Bell, Just Write: Creating Unforgettable Fiction and a Rewarding Writing Life

“A further tip: Delay as much exposition as you can for the first 10 percent of your novel. If you can create a mystery about it, even better. But understand that the readers will wait a long time before getting answers as long as they are caught up in a solid plot.”
― James Scott Bell, Just Write: Creating Unforgettable Fiction and a Rewarding Writing Life

“Katniss Everdeen did not think she was good enough to win the Hunger Games. But she had no choice. The writing game is an arena and once you’re in, don’t waste precious time worrying about how good you are. Gather your weapons and supplies, and fight.”
― James Scott Bell, Just Write: Creating Unforgettable Fiction and a Rewarding Writing Life