Rejection can be a big part of the writing life. Sometimes it can be hard to persevere when you receive that umpteenth nice “no thank you.” At Writer’s Relief, we’re always in your corner and cheering you on—our goal is to support writers and their efforts to get published! We’ve collected some words of encouragement and motivation for writers to help you stay inspired when the going gets tough and you feel like giving up, or when writer’s block kicks in. Tape a few to your monitor, post them on sticky notes in your journal and on your mirror, and remember: You’ve got this!

The Best Words Of Encouragement And Motivation For Writers

“Start writing, no matter what. The water does not flow until the faucet is turned on.” —Louis L’Amour

“You can, you should, and if you’re brave enough to start, you will.” —Stephen King

“It’s a delicious thing to write. To be no longer yourself but to move in an entire universe of your own creating.” —Gustave Flaubert

“Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world.” —Albert Einstein

“You fail only if you stop writing.” —Ray Bradbury

“I cannot do everything, but I can do something. And because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do the something that I can do.” —Edward Everett Hale

“When you have a dream, you’ve got to grab it and never let go.” —Carol Burnett

“You can’t wait for inspiration. You have to go after it with a club.” —Jack London

“Protect the time and space in which you write.” —Zadie Smith

“If you can’t fly, then run. If you can’t run, then walk. If you can’t walk, then crawl, but whatever you do, you have to keep moving.” —Martin Luther King Jr.

“You can’t use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have.” —Maya Angelou

“Nothing is impossible, the word itself says I’m possible.” —Audrey Hepburn

“Everything you’ve ever wanted is on the other side of fear.” —George Addair

“Doubting yourself is normal. Letting it stop you is a choice.” —Mel Robbins

“Hardships often prepare ordinary people for an extraordinary destiny.” —C.S. Lewis

“Just don’t give up trying to do what you really want to do. Where there is love and inspiration, I don’t think you can go wrong.” —Ella Fitzgerald

“You may not write well every day, but you can always edit a bad page. You can’t edit a blank page.” —Jodi Picoult

And a bonus quote from Maya Angelou: “Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.”

For even more great motivation, check out 15 Great Writing Tips From Famous Authors.

Whether you’re writing, proofreading, making submissions, or are trying to stay motivated, Writer’s Relief is here for you! We can help target the best markets and boost your odds of getting an acceptance or an agent request. Learn more about our services, and submit your writing sample to our Review Board today!

Whether you want to take the traditional publishing route or are thinking about self-publishing, we can help. Give us a call, and we will point you in the right direction!

Question: Which quote is your favorite?