C.S. Lakin > Quotes

“A great book feeds our soul and nourishes our spirit in a way nothing else can.”
― C. S. Lakin, Writing the Heart of Your Story: The Secret to Crafting an Unforgettable Novel

“When you made tons of money, had a beautiful wife and three adorable kids-when you were the envy of your community and coworkers-you had no right to behave badly. Stop whining, chin up, take Prozac, and pretend your pain isn't ravaging your soul.”
― C.S. Lakin, Conundrum

“The idea is to write so that people hear it, and it slides through the brain and goes straight to the heart.” ~Maya Angelou”
― C. S. Lakin, Writing the Heart of Your Story: The Secret to Crafting an Unforgettable Novel

“Voice is really about letting your characters loose.”
― C.S. Lakin, Writing the Heart of Your Story

“A goal is a dream with a deadline.” ~author Napoleon Hill”
― C. S. Lakin, Writing the Heart of Your Story: The Secret to Crafting an Unforgettable Novel

“The Map across Time,”
― C.S. Lakin, Layer Your Novel: The Innovative Method for Plotting Your Scenes

“It’s the golden rule of fiction: show, don’t tell. To rephrase: immerse your readers in your story. Transport them. Involve them. Elicit emotion in them. Win their hearts.”
― C. S. Lakin, 5 Editors Tackle the 12 Fatal Flaws of Fiction Writing

“put on three plays a year. This was Millie's second year in drama, and she had only done bit roles, which suited her fine. She confided in Lila that her real reason for joining the group was to find a husband—she had no acting ambition. All the interesting guys hung around there. They were already into rehearsals of The Owl and the Pussycat, the December production, starring the two most talented actors in school. She persuaded Lila to sneak backstage and watch. Millie ushered Lila into the wings of the dark stage. Lila melted into the curtain and watched the actors rehearse, illuminated only by the work light. Their voices resonated in the empty auditorium, filling Lila with awe. Absorbed in their performance, Lila startled when the instructor called for a break. She realized she had been holding her breath. Suddenly she knew she wanted to join this group. Yet she would never have the courage to do it. How could she? She was no match for these students. They probably had taken acting lessons and performed plays all through high school. All Lila had to her credit was her fifth-grade Christmas performance. But she knew in that moment that every chance she had would be spent in this theater, watching an enchanting world. At the campus bookstore she flipped through a copy of The”
― C.S. Lakin, Innocent Little Crimes

“What would you say is the difference between a good book and a great one? Between a forgettable novel and a classic that lingers long in your memory, maybe even for years? Between a book with a title and plot you’ve forgotten mere days after you read it and one with lines that haunt you for years, and characters that seem so real you find yourself thinking about them over a lifetime and wondering what they would say or do in a given situation? Some good books provide an entertaining read, much like a good meal will satisfy. But then there are those other books. You know the ones I mean. Those are the ones you hope”
― C.S. Lakin, Writing the Heart of Your Story: The Secret to Crafting an Unforgettable Novel