A novel rough draft is like bread dough; you need to beat the crap out of it for it to rise.

A deadline is, simply put, optimism in its most kick-ass form. It's a potent force that, when wielded with respect, will level any obstacle in its path. This is especially true when it comes to creative pursuits.

Rereading parts of your novel while writing is like doubling back at rerunning parts of a marathon midrace.

Don’t be offended if you encounter some good-natured ribbing; the idea ofwriting a novel in a month deserves to be laughed at.

Today’s tangents will become tomorrow’s arcs, and unforeseen connections will tie up your loose ends in a way that will make you want to slap your head and holler at your accidental brilliance.