James A. Michener Quotes

I began writing seriously in my mid-20s and didn't publish my first book until I was 41.

I've written a whole body of work that I'm incredibly proud of.

Even though I got a late start, first publishing an essay when I was 50 years old, I've since written eight suspense novels.

I wrote my first full book when I was fourteen, and that was 'Obernewtyn.' It was also the first book I had published. It was accepted by the first publisher I sent it to, and it was short listed for Children's Book of the Year in the older readers category in Australia.

'Made it as a writer'? I'm still wondering if I've made it as a writer. I've made it as a published writer of the type of SF that I want to write and read, but I'm still waiting for that big breakthrough.

I think I made my first short fiction sale in 2005. I had been writing unsuccessfully before that.

I only published my first novel at the age of 40. Till then, I wrote short stories.

If I hadn't been able to get my first book published, I am not sure what I would have done.

When 'The Shadow of the Wind' became a success I had already been a working writer, I'd been through the ups and downs, I'd seen how it worked.

I had no idea I'd end up writing four books when I completed 'Mortal Engines.' I didn't even think it would find a publisher.

I am the luckiest novelist in the world. I was a first-time novelist who wasn't awash in rejection slips, whose manuscript didn't disappear in slush piles. I have had a wonderful time.

Back in 1992, I had my first story accepted by 'The New Yorker.'

I'm still surprised to be an author. I wonder what I'll write next?

I sold my very first novel when I was 24 or 25 years old.

My dream was to be known as a writer and to be able to produce at least one book that would be read by people. That dream came true with the publication of my first novel - and all the rest has been a sweet bonus.

I didn't write any fiction until I was past thirty.

I didn't start writing my own books until I was 40.

I have written more than 100 novels and novellas since 1983 - I was first published in 1985. There was an overlap of three years with my teaching career, but finally I felt good enough about my writing career to quit teaching and write full time.

I didn't write anything until I was well over 30.

Just keep writing, and try to finish that novel. Remember, all authors started exactly where you are right now; the only difference between a published author and a non-published one is that the published author never stopped writing.

I'd never been published when I was young.

It's not as if I've been unlucky. My books have been published and reviewed. I haven't lived through terrible literary suffering!

Success comes to a writer as a rule, so gradually that it is always something of a shock to him to look back and realize the heights to which he has climbed.

I never set out to be a published writer.

Having my novels published is a dream come true.