@font-face {
font-family: “Cambria”;
}p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: “Times New Roman”; }div.Section1 { page: Section1; }
I love movies. Whether they’re based on books I’ve read or fresh creations for the big screen, I love getting lost in a story I can see with my eyes…and not just in my head (though that’s alright too!).
There are so many levels of enjoyment, because movies can touch the deepest parts of us. They can make us laugh, cry, and everything in between.
And we can learn so much from movies.
Here are four movie quotes that I’ve found particularly applicable to my own writing journey. I hope they encourage you.
“Baby steps…it means setting small reasonable goals for yourself, one day at a time, one tiny step at a time.” – What About Bob?
So often I want to leap ahead on the writing path. I want to have 10 books written now, I want to have devoured 20 craft books, I want an agent now, I want to be published now. Now now now. (Can you tell I’m not super patient?) I think this whole principle of baby steps is so important to me as a writer. I want to absorb knowledge, not just skim over it quickly with my eyes. I want to immerse myself in this journey so that, when one year, two years, three years (and beyond) have passed, I’m a better writer and a deeper thinker.
Like we’ve heard so often, life is not about the destination, but the journey. Taking those baby steps helps us to enjoy the scenery and take it all in as we go.
[After Albert tries his unique style of dancing]
Hitch: “Don’t ever do that again.”
Albert: “Just expressing myself.”
Hitch: “Noooo, uh uh. Not like that you’re not.”
– Hitch
Sometimes people who claim to be experts in a certain area are not giving room for someone else to be creative in his/her own way. Yes, there are certain writing “rules,” but give yourself a little room to break them if you have a good reason to do so. This doesn’t mean you should never listen to your critique partners, but mull over others’ advice carefully and be sure you are developing your own unique voice and style. By all means, express yourself. Albert did, despite what Hitch said, and he got the girl because of it.
“The Reverend Mother always says, ‘When the Lord closes a door, somewhere He opens a window.’” – Sound of Music
Be encouraged that the Lord who set your fingers to writing has a plan for you, one that will lead you in directions you might not anticipate. But it’s always the best way, because it’s His.
“We don’t read and write poetry because it’s cute. We read and write poetry because we are members of the human race. And the human race is filled with passion. And medicine, law, business, engineering, these are noble pursuits and necessary to sustain life. But poetry, beauty, romance, love, these are what we stay alive for.” – Dead Poets Society
Words are powerful. Enough said.
Your Turn: Any favorite movie quotes that inspire you, whether it be related to writing or not? What types of movies are your favorite?
*Photo by Salvatore Vuono
Oh, I so enjoyed this post today, Lindsay.
I think it should be a continuing feature on your blog. I'm not awake enough yet to come up with an addendum to your list, but if something comes to mind, I'll pop back over! (Loved the quote from Dead Poets Society. But, really, I loved them all.)
Glad you liked it, Beth! That's a great idea about making it a regular feature. I will have to mull that over! 🙂
These are so great, Lindsay! Like Beth, I loved the DPS one. Love that movie too, even thought it is one that sometimes leaves me with a pit in my stomach.
One of my absolute favorite movie quotes is from The Philadelphia Story: The time to make up your mind about people is never.
It doesn't really have anything to do with writing, but I love the truth in it.
Yes, I agree about the movie…leaves you feeling so sad.
And that's an awesome quote. So applicable!
Great post, Lindsay!
"What we do in life echoes in eternity…" -Maximus Decimus Meridius, Gladiator
I love that quote!
Makes me realize that what I write should matter not in this life, but in the eternity. Will it please God and not just man? That's my goal.
Blessings!
Ruth
Awesome quote, Ruth! Eternity is definitely worth thinking about.
Great quotes, Lindsay. Love the inspiration.
Thanks, Keli! I hope you're doing well on this Monday.
Oh my word, you knocked it out of the park with these. Love these movies & the quotes.
Baby steps! Excellent!
My personal fav…"What's a'happenin' hot stuff." Sixteen candles, anyone? 😉
~ Wendy
Thanks, Wendy. And teehee, your quote made me giggle.
I love your thoughts on the quote from Hitch. And I agree, the quote from Dead Poets Society is brilliant.
I can't think of any off the top of my head, but I would like to put in my two cents that Stranger than Fiction was a great "writer's" movie. Have you seen it?
Thanks, Barb! And no, I don't think I've seen that movie! Might have to go check it out…
I love romantic comedies. I especially like romantic movies from the 80s like When Harry Met Sally and Say Anything. "I'm looking for a dare to be great situation." 🙂
I love romantic comedies too! Some of my favs are "You've Got Mail" and "While You Were Sleeping." So good! Thanks so much for visiting, Julie. 🙂
Awesome quotes, Lindsay! Wow, I'm inspired. 🙂
(And that Hitch quote makes me want to watch the movie again…It's been a long time since I've seen it.)
That scene is one of my favorites…Q-tip, throw it away. Making the pizza. LOL!