I’m reading The Art Of War For Writers by James Scott Bell. Oh.My.Goodness! This is such a good book. What I like about it are the short chapters, full of words that motivate and inspire. It is based on the book The Art of War by Sun Tzu, written well before Christ. Sun Tzu wrote about war and the tactics and strategies needed to win wars. Well, that is what Bell’s book is, but for writers regarding the writing life.

It is divided up into three sections:

1. Reconnaissance: about the mental game of writing.

2. Tactic: about the craft of writing

3. Strategy: about the business of writing (publishing)

Today I want to add a few of my favorite quotes from the first section, Reconnaissance.

“The writers of great books zealously learn the craft of their profession so they can release the power and depth of their imagination and experience.” p. 11

“Every moment spent whining about your writing career is a moment of creative energy lost.” p. 27

“Determine that you will act as if you had no fear. Act as if you are a successful writer. Don’t do this with arrogance, but with determination.” p. 30

“Finish your novel, because you learn more that way than any other.” p. 65

Aren’t those great quotes? Seriously, this book is a MUST for every writer. It is not a “how to” book, but a book that fills in the gaps and highlights the important stuff for writers. There is so much good stuff in this one!