Singer-songwriter and debut author, Nya Jade, discusses four quotes from authors of books she loves
Thank you for hosting me on Redroom. I love inspiring quotes. When designing my new website, I decided to dedicate a section to quotes from some of my favorite authors. I thought it would be fun to highlight a few of them and tell you why they spoke to me.
“I would advise anyone who aspires to a writing career that before developing his talent he would be wise to develop a thick hide.”
—Harper Lee, (To Kill a Mockingbird)
This quote says it all. But I must confess that I didn't follow Harper Lee's advice. I spent most of my time honing my writing skills. Now that my book is published, I'm working overtime to develop that thick hide! It's impossible to win universal appeal as an author. There will be fans and critics. And sometimes critics can be harsh. A thick hide reduces the pain of criticism. That said, I truly appreciate any reader who takes the time to read my work, regardless of the final opinion. This brings me to the next quote. . .
"I don’t care if a reader hates one of my stories, just as long as he finishes the book.”
—Roald Dahl, (The BFG - Big Friendly Giant)
Okay. I laughed out loud when I stumbled across this gem of quote. I laughed so hard my husband wanted to know what had me stitches. I showed him the quote. He didn't get it. But he's not an author. Dahl was just letting people know that it takes a lot of work to write a book, so it's nice to have a reader finish it.
"The tipping point is that magic moment when an idea, trend, or social behavior crosses a threshold, tips and spreads like wildfire."
—Malcolm Gladwell, (The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference)
Can you imagine creating something - a book, a song, a movement - that hits that magical tipping point? We're all creators. And I think we should try to imagine our own personal tipping point. I say "personal tipping point" because it doesn't have to be grand (unless that's what you want). It could simply be that moment when someone other than a friend, or a relative, buys your book or your painting. That moment could very well be the spark that creates the wildfire!
We are all apprentices in a craft where no one ever becomes a master.
—Ernest Hemingway (A Farewell To Arms)
This quote from Hemingway has given me a sense of ease. We all strive to do the best we can with whatever talents we have. Some are innate and others are acquired along the way. The fact that a Nobel Prize winner in literature, considered himself an apprentice—and not a master—in his craft, gives me permission to just enjoy the creative process. This thing called writing is dynamic and will continue to evolve. At this moment in time, I'm grateful for the opportunity to be an apprentice.
A quick description of Nya Jade's book, Phoebe Pope and the Year of Four:
Phoebe Pope splits her life between two worlds on the same campus. Above ground she’s an ordinary sophomore, but Below, she’s a shape-shifter and spy in training. Danger escalates when a cryptic prophecy threatens Phoebe’s existence, while attention from the biggest teen movie star, Colten Chase, adds a thrilling dimension to her already chaotic life. When other Shifter students start to be kidnapped and her own life is endangered, Phoebe soon learns that romance and death threats are hard to balance.
For the full synopsis and to learn more about Nya Jade, please visit:
Web- www.NyaJade.com
Facebook – www.facebook.com/nyajadefriends
Twitter - @TheNyaJade
Phoebe Pope and the Year of Four is available on Amazon:
