J.K. Rowling on Writing

 

“Words are our most inexhaustible source of magic,” says J.K. Rowling.
 
With just a few words, we can create entire worlds, inspire dreams, and connect deeply with one another.
 
Words hold a transformative power that knows no bounds. Each sentence, each carefully chosen phrase, has the ability to transport readers to far-off places, stir their emotions, and leave a lasting impact.
 
Whether you’re crafting a novel, writing poetry, or sharing a heartfelt message, remember that your words carry immense magic within them. Words can be magical.
 
Embrace the endless possibilities of language. Let your words work their magic, touching lives, sparking imagination, and shaping the world around you.
 
Words are a gift—use them wisely and powerfully.
 
 

Nolan Bushnell On Creativity

 
“Everyone who’s ever taken a shower has had an idea,” says Nolan Bushnell.
 
But it’s not just about having ideas—it’s about acting on them.
 
The difference lies in what happens next: the person who steps out, dries off, and takes action turns those ideas into reality. It’s easy to dream, but the real impact comes from doing. Whether it’s starting a project, writing that first line, or taking the first step, action is what transforms ideas into something meaningful.
 
Embrace your ideas, and then act on them.  Make a difference by turning your thoughts into reality, one step at a time.

 

Monet on Art

“Colour is my day-long obsession, joy, and torment,” said Claude Monet.
 
For Monet, the pursuit of capturing the perfect hues consumed his every moment, bringing both profound joy and intense challenge.
 
Color was more than just a visual element; it was the heart of his art, the essence that breathed life into his masterpieces. Every shade, every tone was a reflection of his passion and dedication, driving him to explore the depths of beauty and emotion.
 
Embrace the power of color in your own creative journey. Let it be your inspiration, your challenge, and your joy. Through color, express the full spectrum of your artistic vision.
 

W.S. Merwin on Creativity

 
“I learned from my own work that the poem is a way of seeing and feeling both at once,” said W.S. Merwin, a poet whose influence resonates deeply.
 
Merwin’s poetry invites us to experience the world through a lens that merges vision and emotion, offering a profound connection to both the inner and outer landscapes.
 
As a two-time Pulitzer Prize winner and U.S. Poet Laureate, Merwin’s words transcend mere language. His work embodies a rare spiritual presence, much like Thoreau’s, capturing the essence of human experience and the natural world.
 
Embrace poetry as a means of seeing and feeling simultaneously. Through your own writing, discover the power to reveal truths that touch the soul and awaken the senses.
 

 

Anne Lamott on Writing

“Don’t be afraid to write badly, everyone does,” says Anne Lamott in *Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life*.
 
The fear of imperfection often holds us back, but remember that every writer faces this challenge. The key is to start, to put pen to paper, and let the words flow.
 
The magic happens in the process.
 
As you begin, the words will come, and what starts as a rough draft can evolve into something beautiful. Writing badly is just the first step toward writing well.
 
So, take that leap and just start.
 
 

Kurt Vonnegut on Creativity

Kurt Vonnegut

“To practice any art, no matter how well or how badly, is a way to make your soul grow, for heaven’s sake. So do it,” said Kurt Vonnegut.

Whether you’re a master or a beginner, engaging in creative expression nourishes your spirit and fosters personal growth.

It’s not about perfection, but about the joy and fulfillment that comes from simply creating.  Every stroke, word, or note is a step toward expanding your soul and connecting with something greater.

So, do it—embrace your creativity with all its imperfections. Let your soul grow through the act of creation, and discover the profound impact it can have on your life.

Steven Pressfield on Creativity

“Creative work is a gift to the world and every being in it,” says Steven Pressfield.
 
Your creativity is a unique contribution that enriches and inspires those around you. By holding back, you deny the world your invaluable gift.
 
Don’t cheat us of your contribution. Share your talents and ideas generously. Your work has the power to touch lives, spark change, and bring joy and understanding to others.
 
Embrace the courage to create and give us what you’ve got.  Your creativity is a precious gift that the world needs.

Bob Dylan on Creativity

“Creativity is a funny thing. When we’re inventing something, we’re more vulnerable than we’ll ever be,” says Bob Dylan.
 
In these moments, eating and sleeping fade away, and we enter a state of “Splendid Isolation,” much like the solitude Warren Zevon sang about and Georgia O’Keeffe embraced in the desert.
 
To be truly creative, you often need to be unsociable and intensely focused. It’s not about being violent or ugly, but about being unfriendly and distracted, immersed in your own world. This self-sufficiency allows you to stay focused and channel your energy into your work.
 
Embrace this solitude and vulnerability. It’s in these moments of deep focus and isolation that true creativity blossoms, allowing you to create something unique and powerful.
 
 
Picture source:
Alberto Cabello from Vitoria Gasteiz, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
 

Leonard Cohen on Writing

“I’ve always felt that the more personal you get, the more universal the application, rather than the other way around,” said Leonard Cohen.
 
When you delve deeply into your personal experiences, you create something profoundly relatable to others. By sharing your unique story, you touch on universal truths that resonate widely.
 
If you try to address the masses directly, you might achieve broad appeal, but true connection comes from authenticity.  The more accurately you capture your situation, the more others can see themselves in your work. This honesty and specificity make your creations accessible and meaningful.
 
Embrace the power of personal expression. Let your true self shine through in your art, writing, or any form of creativity. By doing so, you’ll forge genuine connections with others, creating work that speaks to the human experience.
 
 

Georgia O’Keefe On Painting

“Whether you succeed or not is irrelevant, there is no such thing. Making your unknown known is the important thing,” said Georgia O’Keeffe.
 
Success isn’t the ultimate goal; what truly matters is revealing your inner world and sharing your unique vision with others.
 
Embrace the journey of bringing your unknown to light, letting your creativity shine.  The process of creation is what counts, not the outcome. It’s about expressing your thoughts, feelings, and ideas, and connecting with others through your work. This act of self-expression can leave a lasting impact and inspire others.
 
Focus on making your inner world known, and let go of conventional notions of success. Celebrate the courage it takes to share your true self and the beauty of your individual journey.
 
Georgia O'Keefe On Painting - “Whether you succeed or not is irrelevant, there is no such thing.  Making your unknown known is the important thing.”