A novelist can never be his own reader, except when he is ridding his manuscript of syntax errors, repetitions, or the occasional superfluous paragraph. Patrick Modiano Read Quote
Writing is a strange and solitary activity. There are dispiriting times when you start working on the first few pages of a novel. Every day, you have the feeling you are on the wrong track. This creates a strong urge to go back and follow a different path. It is important not to give in to this urge but to keep going. Patrick Modiano Read Quote
Recently, I looked back at my first manuscripts and was struck by the lack of space, of breath. That’s exactly how it felt, back then… like I was suffocating. Patrick Modiano Read Quote
Encourage aspiring writers to continue writing when things are going against them, when it feels hard. Explain the typical obstacles that occur, and encourage and reassure them to continue, never to give up. Patrick Modiano Read Quote
When I was younger, I just put off the writing until later in the day, but now I write early every morning to get it done. I can only write for a few hours at a time; after that, my attention fades. Patrick Modiano Read Quote
I quickly realised that it is difficult to get started when writing a novel. You have this dream of what you want to create, but it is like walking around a swimming pool and hesitating to jump in because the water is too cold. Patrick Modiano Read Quote
I think I became a writer because I didn’t know of anything else to do. Maybe some incident from my childhood influenced me. Patrick Modiano Read Quote
For a long time, I’ve had a recurring dream – I dream I don’t have to write any more, that I’m free. I’m not free, alas; I’m still clearing the same terrain, with the impression that it’s never finished. Patrick Modiano Read Quote
