Quotes about Craftsmanship

God's response is simple. Anything that is made well is made slowly.

Man is never truly himself except when he is actively creating something.

Never place your punch at the beginning of a column nor at the end. Sneak it in where it's least expected. Fill a whole column with drivel, just to get in that one important line.

The carpenter's rule is "measure twice, cut once.

Is not the cup that holds your wine the very cup that was burned in the potter's oven?

And is not the lute that soothes your spirit the very wood that was hollowed with knives?

I write the kinds of novels I like to read, where the setting is rendered with love and care.

All good writing is swimming under water and holding your breath.

The sign of the amateur is overglorification of and preoccupation with the mystery. The professional shuts up. She doesn't talk about it. She does her work.

We master the technique of our jobs.

The professional respects his craft. He does not consider himself superior to it. He recognizes the contributions of those who have gone before him. He apprentices himself to them. The professional dedicates himself to mastering technique not because he believes technique is a substitute for inspiration but because he wants to be in possession of the full arsenal of skills when inspiration does come.

My nails are my rhythm section when I'm writing a song all alone. Some day, I may cut an album, just me and my nails.