7 Quotes by Andrew T. Le Peau

When we are too focused on readers getting our point, we can become didactic and perhaps preachy, engaging only one dimension—perhaps just the mind or just the will. Art engages the whole person—will, heart, soul, mind, and strength (p. 158).

Metaphors, similes, and analogies sharpen the sword of our writing. They allow us to cut quickly through the fat to the meat of our purpose (p. 146).

What then is the theme? Life is not that complicated. Really. We've lost sight of what we already know. Hold hands and stick together. Life is simple.

Criticism is not just something to be endured. It is something to help us grow and improve (p. 214).

Grammar has one—and only one—purpose: to facilitate clear, effective, powerful, artful communication (p. 129).

The goal of writers is not complete originality but to take the past and give it a shake, a fresh look that helps us see reality differently and better (p. 185).

Regardless of what we are writing, however, we must treat our readers with dignity. Don’t announce that you are going to tell a funny joke or story. Give readers the dignity of deciding for themselves if it is humorous. Besides, doing so makes it less funny because you have given away the element of surprise. Don’t say a story will be sad or happy or startling. That inoculates the reader against sadness or happiness or shock. Just tell the story (p. 159).