General Patton is one of my and Nathan McBride’s all-time heroes, and his motivational speeches still stand up today—surprisingly, to writers as well as to soldiers! Here are three parallels I wanted to share…

1. “A pint of sweat will save you a gallon of blood.”

In Battlefield Terms:
Soldiers sweat every day in rigorous training to be their very best on the front lines.

In Writer’s Terms:
Consistency is mighty. Write every day, no matter what. Set aside time for “training,” and sweat through that proverbial pen.

Pro Tip:
This daily practice doesn’t have to be on your book, nor does it need to be a set amount of words. If you’re stuck, write anything. “Drop and give me twenty” of any writing exercise to soldier through that creative block, and you will break through.

2. “A good plan, violently executed now, is better than a perfect plan next week.”

In Battlefield Terms:
Overthinking is the enemy.

In Writer’s Terms:
Overthinking is the enemy.

Pro Tip:
Don’t let over-analysis keep you trapped in research and/or plot outline mode. Jump in and see what the story’s got in mind for you. Let your characters surprise you! Block out time for free-styling it. This is where the heart of your story lives. This is where the natural plot twists happen.

3. “Never tell people how to do things. Tell them what to do and they will surprise you with their ingenuity.”

In Battlefield Terms:
Soldiers don’t need to be coddled or parented. Be a straight-shooter with the plan and let them handle the finer details. Never underestimate how well soldiers will execute an order that’s given with respect for their time and intelligence.

In Writer’s Terms:
Readers will dazzle us all with how much better they are at filling in our spaces. Keep the exposition light and pull back on the detailing. Write everything on the side of reader intelligence. Respect their time and imaginations.

Pro Tip:
Read your words out-loud. Does anything sound unnaturally thesaurus-like or preachy? Which passages, or words feel weird on your tongue? Cut them out. Let your readers fill in what you’ve removed.

———-

How about you? Have you found any unconventional or interesting quotes from non-writers that have helped you with your writing? I would love to read about it in the comments!