Quotes about Expression

The mind will quote whether the tongue does or not.

A painter told me that nobody could draw a tree without in some sort becoming a tree or draw a child by studying the outlines of its form merely . . . but by watching for a time his motions and plays, the painter enters into his nature and can then draw him at every attitude . . .

By necessity, by proclivity, and by delight, we all quote. In fact, it is as difficult to appropriate the thoughts of others as it is to invent.

Do not say things. What you are stands over you the while and thunders so that I cannot hear what you say to the contrary.

The angels are so enamoured of the language that is spoken in heaven, that they will not distort their lips with the hissing and unmusical dialects of men, but speak their own, whether there be any who understand it or not.

I'm going to write a novel and get it published. I'm going to do it because writing a novel is worthwhile and because I have the talent to do it. I'm going to do it because I have something important to say to the world. I refuse to let anything get in my way.

For a novelist, being 'too emotional' is often a good thing. The only thing you have to sell is your emotional experiences.

Changes in language often reflect the changing values of a culture.

The upside to anger? Getting it out of your system. You got to express your anger. Then you have room for more positive things. If I hold something in a long time, and then I speak it, it's amazing how the light shines so much brighter.

You can never hold too much back because no one will ever really capture who the real Eva Marie is.

It's easier to make art for a society at a certain point in time with an understanding of what's going on.

If you tell a story that's only allegory, then it doesn't help you at all. If it doesn't bring some emotional charge, then it's just talking about something.