Jason Isbell Quotes

Writers who don't read can't write well. It's that simple. The more you read, the better you read, the better you'll write. The upside is that you can't read too much, and even 'junk' reading can be constructive.

I've found that writers who don't read really can't write.

The most important thing is to read as much as you can, like I did. It will give you an understanding of what makes good writing and it will enlarge your vocabulary.

I've summarized dozens of books in my literary career; it's become rather second nature.

Most writers can write, most rock 'n rollers cannot.

I believe that writing is derivative. I think good writing comes from good reading.

I probably read 100 times more than I write, but that way when I move my characters through it, I know.

I don't see how you can write well if you're not reading well at the same time. I think the only risk is reading too many books of one 'type' in a row.

I believe that reading widely is the best preparation for writing.

I've always been able to write. I've always been able to put a good essay in or say whatever I wanted to say through the pen. That was a gift of mine. I feel like it was what I was meant to do.

If you want to take writing on, you should pay writing the respect it deserves, which is to say, reading it.

I wasn't a very good writer before college. I don't think I was a very good reader.

Some people read. I like to put words together.

I write like a two-year-old, and I can't spell.

Anyone who can not write should.

It is the glory and merit of some men to write well and of others not to write at all.

The more you read, the less apt you are to make a fool of yourself with your pen or word processor.

I didn't set out to write. It was just something I always could do. Teachers would say, 'you really have this gift,' but I just didn't care.

I can write a poem in 10 minutes. I like writing songs; I can write songs in 5 or 10 minutes. My concentration seems very short.

I don't think I'm a brilliant writer, but I'm a good writer, and it's just so empowering to get involved.

A writer could spend years reading already-published books just to gain a grasp of the historical terrain.

I always had a gift with writing. I can really write. I always felt like I can write movies or somehow get into that.

I never was a big believer that you can teach writing per se.

To write, I think it is very important to read. The more you read, the more you know the techniques of writing.

I'm not very articulate. I don't have that skill.