Quotes about Inspiration

Kathleen Norris, on the publication of her 78th book. 'All writing is difficult. The most you can hope for is a day when it goes reasonably easily. Plumbers don't get plumber's block, and doctors don't get doctor's block; why should writers be the only profession that gives a special name to the difficulty of working, and then expects sympathy for it?

the imagination works not so much through inspiration as through perseverance. One must slog through the false starts, spot the wrong words and hold out for the right ones, and above all, be vigilant about staying on the path of revision, no matter how uncomfortable or even painful the journey might become.

Like an exasperating but invaluable friend, the Bible keeps bringing me back to my senses, often in bracing (and comical) ways.

I believe that where local congregational life is concerned, it is best to give the Holy Spirit all the room we can, because the Spirit has a way of reminding us that what we think is right—even what we think the Bible spells out as right—is not necessarily letter-perfect in the sight of God. If God did not choose to work in ways that confound us, grace would not be amazing. It would not be grace.

Listening to Jeremiah is one hell of a way to get your blood going in the morning; it puts caffeine to shame.

Oh, brethren, be great believers! Little faith will bring your souls to heaven, but great faith will bring heaven to you.

A children's story that can only be enjoyed by children is not a good children's story in the slightest.

I never exactly made a book. It's rather like taking dictation. I was given things to say.

You can make anything by writing.

You are never too old to dream a new dream or set another goal.

Since it is so likely that children will meet cruel enemies, let them at least have heard of brave knights and heroic courage. Otherwise you are making their destiny not brighter but darker.

While almost everything that surrounds us in life gets old and wears out, stories, like our very souls, don't age.