WIST Quotations

Fitzgerald, F. Scott -- (Attributed)

Dave — Thu, 21 Apr 2022 21:23:31 +0000

To be kind is more important than to be right. Many times, what people need is not a brilliant mind that speaks but a special heart that listens.

F. Scott Fitzgerald (1896–1940) American writer [Francis Scott Key Fitzgerald]
(Attributed)

No actual citation found. Also often attributed (also without citation) to Menachem Mendel Schneerson.

Asimov, Isaac -- Nemesis, “Author’s Note” (1989)

Dave — Thu, 05 Aug 2021 16:26:04 +0000

I made up my mind long ago to follow one cardinal rule in all my writing — to be clear. I have given up all thought of writing poetically or symbolically or experimentally, or in any of the other modes that might (if I were good enough) get me a Pulitzer prize. I would write merely clearly and in this way establish a warm relationship between myself and my readers, and the professional critics — Well, they can do whatever they wish.

Isaac Asimov (1920–1992) Russian-American author, polymath, biochemist
Nemesis, “Author’s Note” (1989)
(Source)

Cain, James M. -- (Attributed)

Dave — Wed, 02 Nov 2016 03:27:03 +0000

If your writing doesn’t keep you up at night, it won’t keep anyone else up either.

James M. Cain (1892–1977) American author and journalist
(Attributed)

Twain, Mark -- The Personal Recollections of Joan of Arc, ch. 16 (1896)

Dave — Sun, 01 Feb 2004 16:00:00 +0000

He liked to like people, therefore people liked him.

Mark Twain (1835–1910) American writer [pseud. of Samuel Clemens]
The Personal Recollections of Joan of Arc, ch. 16 (1896)
(Source)