The true function of a writer is to produce a masterpiece and no other task is of any consequence.

The true function of a writer is to produce a masterpiece and no other task is of any consequence.

Like all writers, he measured the achievements of others by what they had accomplished, asking of them that they measure read more

Like all writers, he measured the achievements of others by what they had accomplished, asking of them that they measure him by what he envisaged or planned.

A catless writer is almost inconceivable. It's a perverse taste, really, since it would be easier to write with a read more

A catless writer is almost inconceivable. It's a perverse taste, really, since it would be easier to write with a herd of buffalo in the room than even one cat; they make nests in the notes and bite the end of the pen and walk on the typewriter keys.

Writers write to influence their readers, their preachers, their auditors, but always, at bottom, to be more themselves.

Writers write to influence their readers, their preachers, their auditors, but always, at bottom, to be more themselves.

Originality is nothing by judicious imitation. The most original writers borrowed one from another.

Originality is nothing by judicious imitation. The most original writers borrowed one from another.

For a creative writer possession of the "truth" is less important than emotional sincerity.

For a creative writer possession of the "truth" is less important than emotional sincerity.

Some editors are failed writers, but so are most writers.

Some editors are failed writers, but so are most writers.

A writer is, after all, only half his book. The other half is the reader and from the reader the read more

A writer is, after all, only half his book. The other half is the reader and from the reader the writer learns.

For your born writer, nothing is so healing as the realization that he has come upon the right word.

For your born writer, nothing is so healing as the realization that he has come upon the right word.