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Novel Quotes

Lines from the world of long-form fiction.

This set of quotes captures the ambition and discipline behind novel-writing, from a first page begun with great intent to the idea that about every character deserves to be seen as heroic.

Today I began the novel that I determined to be great.

Quotes by Zane Grey

Everyone deserves to be the hero of a novel.

Quotes by William Nicholson

The fire burns as the novel taught it how.

Quotes by Wallace Stevens

I don't write constantly; it's two serials and a novel a year.

Quotes by Umera Ahmad

About Quotes

I wrote a novel about the combat experiences I didn't have in Vietnam.

Quotes by Tracy Kidder

I wrote my first novel because I wanted to read it.

Quotes by Toni Morrison

I read a lot. I am an inveterate reader. I always have a novel going.

Quotes by Tom Sizemore

Judgments and secrets are what make a good novel.

Quotes by Tobias Hill

With a novel, there is no hurrying it. You're constantly walking into the unknown.

Quotes by Tobias Hill

Always Quotes

A good novel editor is invisible.

Quotes by Terri Windling

So, I outlined a horror novel and started writing.

Quotes by Stephen R. George

A novel is a mirror carried along a main road.

Quotes by Stendhal

I wrote the worst novel ever.

Quotes by Sophie Ellis-Bextor

My first novel, 'Sacrifice,' was set on the Shetland Islands.

Quotes by Sharon Bolton

Any Quotes

Everything in a novel has to be intentional, even the things that aren't.

Quotes by Scott Spencer

The crime novel has always been my favourite genre.

Quotes by Sara Paretsky

Around the time I turned 30, I wanted to publish a novel.

Quotes by Sara Paretsky

I have nothing revolutionary or even novel to offer.

Quotes by Samuel E. Morison

There are very few films that work like a novel.

Quotes by Robert Schwentke

Because Quotes

A novel is often a longer process in handling self-doubt.

Quotes by Robert Sheckley

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are these quotes from novelists themselves?
Yes, they reflect on the ambition and discipline behind writing novels, including the ritual of starting a new one with high hopes.
What does "the fire burns as the novel taught it" mean?
It's a poetic line suggesting fiction can shape how we imagine even natural forces, blurring the line between story and reality.
Why does one quote say everyone deserves to be a hero?
It reflects a generous view of storytelling, where any character, and by extension any person, can be framed as central to their own narrative.
How disciplined is novel writing according to these quotes?
One quote mentions producing a novel plus two serial works annually, suggesting a steady, almost routine creative output for some writers.
Is this page useful for aspiring writers?
Yes, the mix of ambition, discipline, and imaginative thinking here offers a realistic and encouraging look at the novel-writing process.

For more on the writing life, browse our always quotes or the because collection.