Writing Analytics

E. L. Doctorow on Writing

Get inspired by the world's best writers.
Quotes illustration
“I've known several cases of writers who decide to write about something and they research the hell out of it and when they're ready to write, they can't move because they are so burdened. I start writing. Whatever I need somehow comes to hand.”
#489
E. L. Doctorow

More from E. L. Doctorow

“I thought of myself as a writer for years before I got around to writing anything.”
#490
E. L. Doctorow
“When I'm writing, I like to seal everything off and face the wall, not to look outside the window. The only way out is through the sentences.”
#491
E. L. Doctorow
“Writing a novel is like driving a car at night. You can only see as far as your headlights, but you can make the whole trip that way.”
#41
E. L. Doctorow
“Good writing is supposed to evoke sensation in the reader – not the fact that is is raining, but the feeling of being rained upon.”
#340
E. L. Doctorow
“Writing is an exploration. You start from nothing and learn as you go.”
#484
E. L. Doctorow
Back to All Quotes
The Ultimate Productivity Tool for Writers
Writing software that keeps you accountable and motivated to keep going.
Learn More
Background illustration
Focus Saved In my younger and more vulnerable years years my father gave me some advice that I’ve been turning over in my mind ever since. “Whenever you feel like criticizing anyone,” he told me, “just remember that all the people in this world haven’t had the advantages that you’ve had.” He didn’t say any more, but we’ve always been unusually communicative in a reserved way, and I understood that he meant a great deal more than that. In consequence, I’m inclined to reserve all judgements, a habit that has opened up many curious natures to me and also made me the victim of not a few veteran bores. | The Great Gatsby Chapter I Words 106 Writing Time 00:18:20 / 00:30:00 Speed 342 words/hour
In my younger and more vulnerable years my father gave me some advice that I’ve been turning over in my mind ever since. “Whenever you feel like criticizing anyone,” he told me, “just remember that all the people in this world haven’t had the advantages that you’ve had.” He didn’t say any more, but we’ve always been unusually communicative in a reserved way, and I understood that he meant a great deal more than that. In consequence, I’m inclined to reserve all judgements, a habit that has opened up many curious natures to me and also made me the victim of not a few veteran bores. | The Great Gatsby 12:46:32 Chapter I 106 W 00:18:20