Russell Banks Quotes

I don't think it is possible to give tips for finding one's voice; it's one of those things for which there aren't really any tricks or shortcuts, or even any advice that necessarily translates from writer to writer. All I can tell you is to write as much as possible.

In the process of simplifying oneself, one often discovers the thing called voice.

I would say that I'm finding my voice in more ways than one.

I knew that I had to find my own voice, both figuratively and literally.

At the typewriter you find out who you are.

The writing process really became natural when it was real and from my heart, and I was exposed.

'Shortcomings' was me figuring out who I am.

The closer I get back to being who I really am, the stronger the music gets.

To gain your own voice you have to forget about having it heard.

The next voice you hear will undoubtedly be your own.

Everybody talks about finding your voice. Do your homework and your voice will find you.

We talk about self-expression but need to pause and remember that self-expression requires a self to express.

Become aware of what is in you. Announce it, pronounce it, produce it, and give birth to it.

I always knew I had this voice, but it wasn't until I was in my 20s that I realized I had the power to do something with it.

Sometimes things you write are messages to yourself. Even though I think my stuff has a particular voice because you are who you are, it's good to switch it up, professionally and personally. The dare to be great situation is always going to be the one that matters the most.

If you do not express your own original ideas, if you do not listen to your own being, you will have betrayed yourself.

For me, 'Rent' was all about coming out of myself, finding out who I was, learning the power I could have as a performer.

I didn't start to work until I realized what it was I had to offer. I stopped imitating performers I admired and started just being myself.

All that I am is me. So I'm not really a poet or a writer or an actor or an activist; I'm me, and these are things that I do.

Writing is a really good first step toward that goal of knowing yourself.

It is when I am working that the real me comes out - that is when I am the most real and honest.

We cannot be all the writers all the time. We can only be who we are.

Failure is fantastic, because you meet yourself and get to know your limitations. This is how I express myself, and I can't do it any other way.

As far as writing, it's grown because I've really grown comfortable with who I am.

Art helped give me confidence.