Quote book – “great resource and inspiration,” said inaugural poet Blanco

From Maine Insights News

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Polar Bear and Company is proud to announce the publication of A Writers’ Compendium: Quotations on the Trade, edited and compiled by author Peter Bollen. Illustrations are crafted by Ramona du Houx.

Writers often spend hours, days working away on manuscripts. Sometimes in their self imposed isolation they wonder if their experiences are unique. A Writers’ Compendium: Quotations on the Trade allows them to see how their process may or may not be similar to other writers. It brings the writing community together and offers inspiration within unexpected quotes.

This unique collection of quotes by writers on the process of writing, on journalism, on censorship, poetry, writer’s block, and on other writers and critics is a wonderful resource.

Bollen is the author of Nuclear Voices, Great Labor Quotations and Frank Talk. He’s currently a contributing columnist for the Bridgton News.

“As a long time literary book collector, I have concentrated on writers’ memoirs and biographies, as well as interviews and conversations with a wide range of writers working in various fields. This obsession became my education for my own writing and my career in publishing. Gleaning all this literary wisdom fueled my desire to compile a useful and entertaining collection of literary nuggets for readers and anyone who aspires to write. Putting this volume together and reading the words of these lively minds on the craft of writing and the creative process was particularly enjoyable and personally edifying.

“The chapters in this book include quotations on creativity, censorship, critiques from fellow writers, and the importance of journalism. I hope they convey something about the writing life and the importance of the printed word.

I intend for this collection to serve as a helpful guide for aspiring and fledgling writers. I have included a chapter on the dreaded “writer’s block” – that familiar malady suffered, at times, by even the most experienced wordsmiths. When I interview and talk with writers personally, I always ask them about “The Block.”

Writers often refer to and use their favorite quotations by their colleagues and mentors. Many of these quotations are well known and often repeated. In this book, where the actual source of a quote could not be definitely determined, I have added ‘attributed’ following the author citation.

“I hope this compendium is entertaining as well as useful for readers and writers alike. I have tried my best to be accurate and correct in attributing the quotations. Any inaccuracies discovered after publication will be corrected in subsequent editions of this volume.” —Peter Bollen

What others have written about the book:

“A great resource and inspiration.” —Richard Blanco, Inaugural Poet for President Barack Obama’s second inauguration

“Entertaining and often illuminating, the incisive and concise quotations go on, page after page. Dipping into compendia such as this can be like eating cashews—it’s hard to stop at just one canful. You keep reading and snacking. Just one page more . . .” —Mike Corrigan, Bridgton News book review

“Peter Bollen has compiled a magnificent collection of quotes that any writer, editor or photographer can identify with, from dealing with editors to questioning one’s self. Very amusing and informative. Mr. Bollen has gone on a deep search to find the quotes that you can—At one time or another—Find yourself in. —H. Joie Crockett, photojournalist

“A treasure, a welcome companion for any working writer. In this lonely field, one often feels blocked, stopped, and distracted . . . Refreshing . . . illustrates that so many others, especially the giants of this craft have felt exactly the same and then gone on to publish wonderful stories. It is a source of solace, comfort and encouragement, much needed and much appreciated. It has a permanent place next to my computer keyboard.” —Alan Lapidus, author of Everything by Design. My Life as an Architect