I like my friend Jim Hynes's Commonplace-Book so well that I decided I needed one of my own. Consider this a running journal of observations that catch my eye, buck me up,get me through the rough patches, and remind me what I love about the art and craft of writing. Enjoy.
I told you, you damned fools. --H.G. Wells, suggesting a motto for his headstone.
All the thoughts are in the typewriter. --William Maxwell (via this)
The way to write a book is to actually write a book. A pen is useful, typing is also good. Keep putting words on the page. --Anne Enright
Good ideas are often murdered by better ones. --Roddy Doyle
Strict chronology is the secret of good narrative. --Winston Churchill
I wasn't in the mood for exquisite observing. --New Yorker cartoon caption
If you want a golden rule that will fit everything, this is it: Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful. --William Morris