10 quotes about storytelling from classic authors that will inspire you

written by Enrico Sigurta | Storytelling

September 8, 2024

Inspiration day for writers and storytellers…

Here are 10 timeless quotes from (mostly) classic authors to inspire you and spark your creativity.

+ 5 bonus quotes at the end…

Quote 1

“The only true paradise is a garden.” – Virginia Woolf.

(This is a metaphor for crafting a world filled with lush details and vibrant characters.)

Quote 2

“Begin with an idea that excites you so much that it keeps you up at night.” – Stephen King.

(That’s why some writers and public speakers are so prolific, while most are bland and unremarkable)

Quote 3

“The best stories are the ones that make you feel something.” – Ernest Hemingway.

(You must be the first to feel something strong from your own stories. If you do, many in your audience will feel the same)

Quote 4

“A writer is someone who has learned to turn his failures into stories.” – Joan Didion.

(Your life experiences will permeate your stories. Be aware of that and use it to craft deeper narratives)

Quote 5

“The only way to learn to write is to write.” – Ray Bradbury.

(Practice is the only way to improve your skills. It’s also the only way to gain clarity and precision)

Quote 6

“The greatest stories are the ones that make you forget you’re reading.” – Jane Austen.

(The more immersive the experience you create, the more remarkable and effective it will be)

Quote 7

“A good story is one that leaves you thinking.” – William Faulkner.

(This is the big difference between modern woke stories, that only preach and impose ideas, and classic stories that make you think)

Quote 8

“The best stories are the ones that feel like they’re happening to you.” – Gabriel García Márquez.

(Again with the immersion… it must be that powerful!)

Quote 9

Begin at the beginning, and go on till you come to the end. Then stop.” – Lewis Carroll

(And yet so many authors make the mistake of ignoring this simple advice…)

Quote 10
“The best stories are the ones that tell themselves.” – Kurt Vonnegut
(well, this is a challenging one. And yet, once you get into storytelling, it becomes so obvious…)

5 Bonus Quotes

Few weeks ago I shared other amazing quotes. You can find them here: https://x.com/Henry_th_Mighty/status/1813632012986847485

Check them out and tell me which one resonate with you the most.


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