Anybody can do research. The plotting of the novel, writing the ending before you write anything else, which I always do - I don't know that everybody can do that. That's the hard part. John Irving endhardpart Change image and share on social
I believe you have constructive accidents en route through a novel only because you have mapped a clear way. If you have confidence that you have a clear direction to take, you always have confidence to explore other ways; if they prove to be mere digressions, you'll recognize that and make the necessary revisions. John Irving accidentclearconfidence share on social
Good habits are worth being fanatical about. John Irving fanaticalgoodhabit Change image and share on social
I do know where I'm going and it's just a matter of finding the language to get there. John Irving findlanguagematter Change image and share on social
Of all the things you choose in life, you don't get to choose what your nightmares are. You don't pick them; they pick you. John Irving chooselifenightmare Change image and share on social
I write very quickly; I rewrite very slowly. It takes me nearly as long to rewrite a book as it does to get the first draft. I can write more quickly than I can read. John Irving bookdraftlong Change image and share on social
I write the last line, and then I write the line before that. I find myself writing backwards for a while, until I have a solid sense of how that ending sounds and feels. You have to know what your voice sounds like at the end of the story, because it tells you how to sound when you begin. John Irving backwardsbeginend share on social
If you are lucky enough to find a way of life you love, you have to find the courage to live it. John Irving couragefindlife Change image and share on social