Listen, I wrote 10 unsuccessful books before I broke through, so I'm looking all the time to keep my books fascinating. I want to write what people want to read, not push any message.
Ken FollettRead
You see, all that I ever held dear has been taken from me," she said in a matter-of-fact tone. "And when you've lost everything-" Her facade began to crumble, and her voice broke, but she made herself carry on. "When you've lost everything, you've got nothing to lose.
Interpretation
Losing everything can lead to a sense of freedom and bravery.
This quote highlights the paradox of loss, suggesting that when someone has lost all that is important, they may find the strength and courage to take risks, as there is nothing left to fear losing. It reflects the idea that loss can liberate an individual, offering a fresh perspective and the freedom to pursue new paths without the weight of previous attachments.
In practice
During a motivational speech about overcoming adversity.
Listen, I wrote 10 unsuccessful books before I broke through, so I'm looking all the time to keep my books fascinating. I want to write what people want to read, not push any message.
Trusting someone was like holding a little water in your cupped hands - it was so easy to spill the water, and you could never get it back.
Without books I would not have become a vivacious reader, and if you are not a reader you are not a writer.
I want to tell a story that makes the reader always want to see what will happen next.
When I'm writing a woman character, I don't think, 'What would a woman do?' I just think, 'What would this character do in this situation?'
Well, for people who want to write best sellers, the best advice I can give is to say that the novel has to engage the reader emotionally.
For the pride of trace and trail was his, and sick unto death, he could not bear that another dog should do his work.
By the apostle Paul, shadows tonight Have struck more terror to the soul of Richard Than can the substance of ten thousand soldiers.
Where is your ancient courage? You were used to say extremities was the trier of spirits; That common chances common men could bear; That when the sea was calm all boats alike showed mastership in floating.
Enduring and forgiving are two different things. You must not forgive the cruelty of this world. It's our duty as human beings to be angry at injustice. But we must also endure it. Because someone must sever this chain of hatred.
Victory in defeat, there is none higher. She didn't give up, Ben; she's still trying to lift that stone after it has crushed her. She's a father working while cancer eats away his insides, to bring home one more pay check. She's a twelve-year-old trying to mother her brothers and sisters because mama had to go to Heaven. She's a switchboard operator sticking to her post while smoke chokes her and fire cuts off her escape. She's all the unsung heroes who couldn't make it but never quit.
The miners lost because they had only the constitution. The other side had bayonets. In the end, bayonets always win.
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