First, consider the pen you write with. — Natalie Goldberg

"As writers we have to walk in the world in touch with that present, alert part of ourselves, that animal sense part that looks, sees, and notices - street signs, corners, fire hydrants, newspaper stands."

"You tell the truth and you depict it in detail."

"Learning to write is not a linear process. There is no logical A-to-B-to-C way to become a good writer. One neat truth about writing cannot answer it all. There are many truths. […] Some techniques are appropriate at some times and some for other times. Every moment is different. Different things work. One isnt wrong and the other right. In class we try different techniques or methods."

"I went home with the resolve to write what I knew and to trust my own thoughts and feelings and to not look outside myself. I was not in school anymore: I could say what I wanted."

"Dont worry about your talent or capability: that will grow as you practice. […] If you want to write a novel, write a novel. If its essays you want or short stories, write them. In the process of writing them, you will learn how. You can have the confidence that you will gradually acquire the technique and craft you need. […] We learn writing by doing it. That simple."

"The basic unit of writing practice is the timed exercise. 1. Keep your hand moving. 2. Dont cross out. 3. Dont worry about spelling, punctuation, grammar. 4. Lose control. 5. Dont think. Dont get logical. 6. Go for the jugular. […] That is the discipline: to continue to sit."