Wendelin Van Draanen Quotes

I tell my writing students that everything is material; just pay attention.

When people ask me for secrets to writing, I say, 'Read to write.'

I like to write in all different genres. I just like a new challenge.

I love writing different things.

I spend a lot of time writing. I get inspiration from texts rather than images.

Read a lot. Write a lot. Have fun.

I think writers are observers and watchers. We always have our ears open and eyes open, so I might see something in everyday life that inspires me. And I think that's probably more than anything else. Everyday life is where I get my inspiration.

Sometimes reading other writers helps. You learn some little technique that turns out to be useful, or simply are reinspired by the amazing things others do.

My childhood was surrounded by books and writing. From a very early age I was fascinated by storytelling, by the printed word, by language, by ideas. So I would seek them out.

I'm always looking at ways of shaking up the writing experience because I think it helps.

I don't actually have a one wellspring of inspiration. Though I'm most often inspired while reading - both fiction and nonfiction.

I wanted to become a writer. I enjoyed reading as a child.

If you are going to write, say, fantasy - stop reading fantasy. You've already read too much. Read other things; read westerns, read history, read anything that seems interesting, because if you only read fantasy and then you start to write fantasy, all you're going to do is recycle the same old stuff and move it around a bit.

Only a reader can become a writer. Develop a lively intellect and the ability to become interested in anything, no matter how mundane it might seem at first. Look for the story. Develop an eye for detail. Feed your mind and your brain: learn as much as you can about everything you can.

I did not go to any creative writing workshop; I did not major in literature. If I can write, anyone can write. All it needs is imagination.

As a writer, you look for inspiration wherever you can get it.

I really like to entertain myself in various ways when I'm writing.

A sense of play is important when I'm writing, and so messing around with, say, a magic routine can feel like play, at least initially.

I'm finding writing very fascinating.

I prefer writing originals.

If you want to be a writer, don't worry so much about writing. Read as much as you can. Read as many different writers as you can. Soak up the styles.

In my younger days, I was trying to write sophisticated prose and fantastic stories.

I write all the time - I write poetry, I love to write.

To be a dramatic writer takes hard work, talent, and discipline. And that's why I just make up crap.

I haven't stuck to any formula. Most great writers stick to the same style, but I wanted to be more various.