Four of My Favorite Quotations from Writers

Let’s just let the title serve as the introduction and jump right in, because these quotations are too good to delay!

1. "The last sound on the worthless earth will be two human beings trying to launch a homemade spaceship and already quarreling about where they are going next." –William Faulkner

Why I Love It: Oh, Faulkner, you’re such a character! Not only is this quote hilarious, but it also shows his keen understanding of human nature. And it’s just such a bizarre little story in and of itself. I love Faulkner. There are so many other quotes from him I could share. He has one where he talks about aspiring writers sending him letters asking about his process and such, and his response is, “I suppose I should answer them, but I don’t.” Such a great way to flex on everybody over the fact that he’s William Faulkner. Also, if you haven’t heard the one about why he gave up his job as postmaster general, Google it. It’s hilarious.

2. “Writing is easy. All you do is stare at a blank sheet of paper until drops of blood form on your forehead.”  --Gene Fowler

Why I Love It: Who, you may ask, is Gene Fowler? Doesn’t matter. He’s exactly right.

3. "When I was six I had a chicken that walked backward and was in the Pathe News. I was in it too with the chicken. I was just there to assist the chicken but it was the high point in my life. Everything since has been anticlimax.” –Flannery O’Connor

Why I Love It: This, to me, encapsulates O’Connor’s offbeat sense of humor. In addition, it’s so beautifully self-effacing because she could’ve easily bragged about how brilliant a writer she was and been entirely justified, but instead she spins a story where she plays second fiddle to a talented chicken. I love her.

4. "I've put in so many enigmas and puzzles that it will keep the professors busy for centuries arguing over what I meant, and that's the only way of insuring one's immortality." –James Joyce

Why I Love It: He’s not wrong, is he? And he ‘fesses up, which is awesome.

Here’s to enigmas and puzzles, homemade spaceships, blank sheets of paper, and backwards-walking chickens! (Wow, put all those together and that's a story I'd definitely want to read!)