Joan Bauer Quotes (in no particular order)

�	�In writing, I pull from what I know about the world.�
�	�Be free when you write; trust yourself.�
�	�The best writing is one that we have deep feelings about- either love or hatred.�
�	�We create characters by this love or hatred.�
�	�Every story must have rich characters that the reader cares about.  Every story must 
also have CONFLICT.  Life is about conflict so stories must include conflict.  It is what 
makes fiction interesting.�
�	�Think about noises, people, places, and animals when creating stories.  Eavesdrop as 
a writer, do your homework for rich characters and stories.�
�	�Your setting can be almost like a character.�
�	�Always give characters something they are passionate about.�
�	Create characters that could go from having hard times and turn it into good times.�
�	�Characters come together in layers.�
�	�Every story must have an arc of development.�
�	�You must be able to create a conflict in your story where the reader thinks there is a 
chance the character will get to grow.  You, the writer, must let the character grow and for 
make it to be exciting when s/he does get there.
�	�I keep a list and I call it �What I Know About/What I Know to be True�.  I add to it 
every so often.  I have things like living in fear, money struggles, being in a car accident 
and having surgery, people who disappoint me, divorce��.�
�	�I also keep a list called �What Interests Me� and �What Irritates Me� which I add to 
every so often.
�	�Another list I keep is called �What Would I Like (in the World) to be Changed?�
�	�As a writer, you must do your homework.�
�	�There aren�t as many rules as you think, as a writer.�
�	�Try to find humor where everyone can share a laugh- don�t focus on making fun of 
someone else.  You don�t want to directly laugh at anyone in your writing.�
�	�Keep an idea file.�
�	�The hardest thing for me as a writer is getting started.�
�	�The first draft is something I avoid for weeks at a time.�
�	�I get stuck in every book I write.  But, as a writer, you are supposed to get stuck.  It�s 
just like striking out at baseball.  Don�t get scared of getting stuck.  
�	�Be free and trust yourself.�