Lines worth keeping above the desk

I write entirely to find out what I'm thinking, what I'm looking at, what I see and what it means. What I want and what I fear.

If you find a book you really want to read but it hasn't been written yet, then you must write it.

First forget inspiration. Habit is more dependable. Habit will sustain you whether you're inspired or not.

Almost all good writing begins with terrible first efforts. You need to start somewhere.

I rewrote the ending to Farewell to Arms, the last page of it, thirty-nine times before I was satisfied. … Getting the words right.

If it sounds like writing, I rewrite it.

Never use a long word where a short one will do.

Clutter is the disease of American writing. We are a society strangling in unnecessary words, circular constructions, pompous frills and meaningless jargon.

No man but a blockhead ever wrote, except for money.

A woman must have money and a room of her own if she is to write fiction.

The way to right wrongs is to turn the light of truth upon them.