James McBride Quotes

It takes practice to do anything unique within this field, period, in writing, practice doing anything unique in writing.

No, I have to really focus, especially when I'm writing because I wanna be good at it.

The most important advice I can offer is that writing is a craft that you can learn by practicing. If you keep writing, you will improve.

Like most art forms, writing is part instinct and part craft. The craft part is the part that can be taught, and that can make a crucial difference to lots of writers.

I'm writing; I'm teaching myself writing.

I'm a great believer in the experiential theory of writing.

I never think that any writer can teach someone how to write.

I've grown more and more appreciative of good writing, and I now really hope I can become a better and better writer.

I learned to write by writing.

It's none of their business that you have to learn how to write. Let them think you were born that way.

If you want to be a good writer, be the best writer in the world. That's what I've done.

I think writing well takes a little bit of talent and an awful lot of work.

Every story I write is different. Some are hard. Some aren't. 'Chronicle' was tremendously easy. I have a hard time comparing my process on different things, but I will say this: The more you write, the better you get at it. That's one of the few things that's markedly true.

Good writing of course requires talent, and no one can teach you to have talent.

Read and write with a sensitive ear. The craft of writing is very important. Practice the craft.

I'm very happy with the way I write. I think I do it good. But I've never really considered myself a writer.

Doing interesting things and then writing about them is the best way to become a good writer.

I do want to work on writing, because writing's a skill. Writing is something that you can train yourself to know better. To know yourself better. And it's intimidating as hell.

I have grown in my writing and I care about it now and I know how important it is to write stuff.

People say you can't teach writing, but I think that's nonsense.

I think some aspects of writing can be taught. Obviously, you can't teach vision or talent. But you can help with comfort.

Nothing teaches great writing like the very best books do. Yet, good teachers often help students cross that bridge, and I have to say that I had a few extraordinary English teachers in high school whom I still credit for their guidance.

I'm not a great writer.

Early on, it's good to develop the ability to write. Learning to write is a useful exercise, even if what you're writing about is not that relevant.

However great a man's natural talent may be, the act of writing cannot be learned all at once.