We are continuing the celebration for Laurie Ann Thompson’s debut Be A Changemaker, which will be published on September 16. Inspirational quotes are peppered throughout the book, and so we Emu’s decided to share quotes that have been meaningful and motivating to us. We’d love to hear your favorite quotes too!
And remember, comment on any post this week and be entered to win a signed copy of Be A Changemaker!
From Donna Bowman Bratton:
This quote by Ben Franklin has been posted above my computer for years. It obviously speaks to the writer in me, but it hints, too, at taking conscious actions for change.
I love this quote by Charles Lamb because it so simply speaks to the heart of any good deed, large or small.
Of course, the ultimate quote for any changemaker comes from Mahatma Gandhi:
From Jennifer Chambliss Bertman:
This quote reinforces my belief that even our smallest actions can make a difference, even though we may never witness the impact, and reminds me that I want to be someone who brightens the day for others, rather than tarnishes it.
From Christine Hayes:
You can probably see why, as a writer, I find this quote inspiring. 🙂 I usually substitute “people” for “men” in my own mind, and I’ve seen that done all over the web as well, but I’m guessing the version below is the correct one. On the days when I feel especially short on talent, this quote keeps me going.
From Amy Finnigan:
From Penny Parker Klostermann:
Dr. Seuss is kind of my go-to guy for a laugh or for a quick reminder that I’m in charge of doing the work it takes to reach my dreams.
From Lindsey Lane:
What I love about this quote is that Goethe was born in 1749 and I’ve experienced the ‘truth’ of his observation time and again. If I don’t begin, nothing happens.
From Mylisa Larsen:
Usually when you see someone making something look effortless, it’s because they spent thousands of hours mastering whatever they’re making seem simple and inevitable. This is a quote that gets me back to my desk to put in some more hours.
From Joshua McCune:
This quote adapted from Emerson’s poem “Merlin’s Song” reminds me to not just live life to the fullest, but to live it as myself, to open myself to new experiences, and to do it with joy. It’s that last part that’s hardest for me. Scowl, and the world scowls at you. Smile, and the world smiles with you. The world could use more smiles.
From Megan Morrison:
This idea is at the marrow of my personal belief system. Success requires two things: a clear vision and the will to carry it out, and this is true whether you want to change your wallpaper or change the world. The first part is tricky, because it requires that we are honest with ourselves about what we want and what we are willing to do. The second part is grueling, because it requires consistent action over a long period of time, and that action must be sustained even during times of doubt and lack of inspiration. But commitment is its own reward. Nothing is more satisfying than to look back after many months and years of climbing a personal mountain to see how far you’ve really come.
I like this quote because I was so, SO close to that ‘give up’ point, but a friend sat me down and pointedly told me that I needed to keep going, fire my current agent, pursue a different agent, and keep writing. A few months later I had 4 books in contract.
You can get your own copy of BE A CHANGEMAKER from your local independent bookstore (find one here), or order it from your favorite national or online retailer such as Simon & Schuster, Powell’s, B&N, or Amazon.
And please comment here–or on any post this week–to be entered to win a signed ARC of BE A CHANGEMAKER by Laurie Ann Thompson!
Oh Jenn, beautiful post. Emu’s, I love every quote. Oh Laurie, see what your book has wrought!!!
LikeLike
I’m inspired 🙂
LikeLike
This post was truly inspirational. I love the simplicity of a good, strong quote that is packed with meaning. Thanks!!
LikeLike
Me too. Totally inspired!
LikeLike
Fabulous quotes! Really inspiring.
LikeLike
Reblogged this on Catherine Johnson and commented:
I didn’t mean to post today but these quotes are awesome!
LikeLike
Awesome, Jenn! Great quotes, and they look beautiful. That must have taken a lot of work.
LikeLike
I love these all so much! Thank you for your beautiful work, Jenn!
LikeLike
Okay.The embers under my butt just blew up in flames. Thank you all! I can hardly wait to get my hands on BE A CHANGEMAKER.
LikeLike
You guys, I love each and every one of these quotes! I’m going to need a bigger office just so I can hang them all up on my walls. What an inspiring group you all are! HUGS!!!
LikeLike
I am all about the quotes. In fact, many of my favorites are in this post. A few of my other favorites include this one from John Milton: “Long is the way, and hard, that out of hell leads up to light.” That reminds me to keep going when times are tough. And then there’s this one from William Wordsworth: “And then my heart with rapture fills, and dances with the daffodils.” That reminds me to celelbrate once I’ve achieved my goal.
LikeLike
You made my day! Can’t wait till my copy arrives next week because I am totally pumped up by this book launch party!
LikeLike
Wonderful quotes! The Emerson one is one of my favorites.
LikeLike
I loved reading all these quotes. This is one of my favorites:
“If you have only one smile in you, give it to the people you love. Don’t be surly at home, then go out in the street and start grinning ‘Good morning’ at total strangers.” — Maya Angelou
LikeLike