Today at Quotable Tuesday, I am delighted to host Ammi-Joan Paquette, the author of the stunning NOWHERE GIRL, the delightful TIPTOE GUIDE TO TRACKING FAIRIES and soon the TIPTOE GUIDE TO TRACKING MERMAIDS.

Joan was recently in Austin for the SCBWI conference and I asked her what quote inspires her or keeps her going during the times we lag as writers. “I am a huge fan of quotable and motivational sayings. I don’t know that I could ever possibly settle upon a favorite quote, but there is one which I adore and which is currently posted on my bulletin board:

“We work in the dark—we do what we can—we give what we have. Our doubt is our passion and our passion is our task. The rest is the madness of art.”          Henry James

“I love this quote for so many reasons. I love the feel and the sound and the texture of it. I love the way my writerly doubts and darkness are not only acknowledged but harnessed and put to use: It’s okay to doubt ourselves, but it’s what we do with that doubt that makes the difference. I love the way passion is given its moment in the spotlight—that éclat of zest and enthusiasm that lights up an otherwise ordinary day. When I come to a standstill, a quote like this gets me moving again.

“An author’s work is accomplished within a very small sphere—a little bubble wherein we sit, talking to ourselves, muttering in the dark, giggling a little or maybe bringing ourselves to tears. “Madness of art”, indeed! I’ll take it.”

Me, too!

Thank you, Joan, for stopping by and reaffirming the sometimes strange choice we make as writers.