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Generations have grown up with the rhymes and wisdom of Dr. Seuss, so it's only natural that writers can find what they need to hear from the good doctor, in order to apply it to their own struggles, their own triumphs, and their own journeys.
Here are some of the best Dr. Seuss quotes. And I'll even attempt to wrap each one up with my very own Ken-isms!
1. "And will you succeed? Yes you will indeed! (98 and 3/4 percent guaranteed.)"
Writers need to go in believing in themselves. They need to believe in their stories and characters. They need to believe that somehow, somewhere, and some way they will defy the odds and see their dreams come true.
Ken-ism: It doesn't matter if the odds are against you and it doesn't matter if we know that many will not succeed. What matters is that we're trying, indeed.
2. "Oh the things you can find, if you don't stay behind!"
You always have to be pushing forward. One script isn't enough. Your writing will continue to get better and better with each script and those producers, agents, and managers will want to see that you have a stacked deck of amazing scripts.
Ken-ism: Take a few months to finish one, and then move onto the rest. Because the next or the next might be the very best.
3. "Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's not."
You have to care about the writing. You have to care about the stories. You have to care about the characters. You have to put your whole heart into each and every project.
Ken-ism: If you're in it for the money and fame, the lack of quality is on you to blame.
4. "Why fit in when you were born to stand out?"
Too many writers try to emulate the current trends or their favorite movies, shows, and books. How many have tried to be the next Hemingway, Kerouac, Tarantino, Ephron, or Sorkin?
Ken-ism: It's you who they want, it's you who they seek. It's you that will make them take the fateful peek.
5. "You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose."
Remember that you, the writer, are fully capable of deciding what path your career should take. Don't let anyone tell you what to write or what not to write.
Ken-ism: There are guidelines, expectations, and odds to play, but it's you who decides and acts at the end of the day.
6. "Think and wonder, wonder and think."
Writing isn't just about typing. It's about long walks, long drives, long coffee and lunch breaks, long stares at nothing, etc.
Ken-ism: 90% of writing is letting your mind wander. Let it think, let it dream, let it ponder.
7. "You are you. Now, isn't that pleasant?"
In the film, television, and publishing industry, you will be bombarded by people and things that you'll want to be. You'll have people trying to tell you which direction to take. But in the end, you have to be yourself because you can never escape that. Trying to be something or someone that you are not will only slow you down and there will be no satisfaction in your heart if you're not writing for yourself.
Ken-ism: Don't try to emulate their work. Don't try to be the next that. Be the first you, wearing your own hat.
8. "The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go."
Feed your brain. Read books, read scripts, read anything that might give you even a small nugget of inspiration, ideas, and things you can apply.
Ken-ism: Anything that doesn't stick, you can always forget. But consider it all, you'll find treasures I bet.
9. "You'll miss the best things if you keep your eyes shut."
When you get feedback or notes from your peers, mentors, producers, executives, representation, or publishers, it's only natural to resist. The best writers eventually learn that if you open your eyes and see what they have to say and get to the root of why they are saying it, some of the best things come from that.
Ken-isms: They're there to suggest, propose, and recommend. You're there to work your magic in the end.
10. "Sometimes the questions are complicated and the answers are simple."
Writers often walk on the brink of exhaustion when trying to answer questions regarding story, plot, and character. It's like hitting a brick wall. "What would they do now?" "What's the best twist?" "Why is this scene not working?" All too often, the eventual answers to any given problem are the most simple.
Ken-ism: Take a break. An hour, day, or week. When you least expect it, you'll find the answer you seek.
11. "Think left and think right and think low and think high. Oh, the things you can think up if only you try!"
Writers can struggle to find the next idea. They'll stare at a blank screen, waiting for inspiration to appear. You have to look everywhere you can. Watch movies, read books, watch television, travel, research, read the newspaper, ask yourself "What if..." questions, etc. Look high and look far. Finding one idea isn't enough. You need to have many, many to choose from. And then you choose wisely from that bunch.
Ken-ism: Too often they'll stop when they conjure just one, but conjuring many is really the fun.
12. "Oh, the thinks you can think!"
The wonder about being a writer is that you can write whatever you want. Sure, it has to play for whatever medium you choose, but you can choose any medium. The beauty of writing is that it truly is a blank canvas when you start. That should be exciting. Not a burden.
Ken-ism: So throw paint on that canvas in any which way, it's yours to declare at the end of the day.
13. "If things start happening, don't worry, don't stew, just go right along and you'll start happening too."
There are two fears that people face when chasing a dream. One is the fear of failure -- "What if I can't do it?" The other is the fear of success -- "What if I succeed, will I be able to handle it?" When you do get that representation, that assignment, or that deal, don't worry about the details. Just go with the flow, be yourself, and you'll find that your own journey finally has you on the right path.
Ken-ism: Success is a mess, it fools, and it strains. Forget the success, and embrace the gains.
14. "You'll be on your way up! You'll be seeing great sights! You'll join the high fliers who soar to high heights."
Continuing with the theme of success here, yes, when it does happen it's pretty thrilling. And it happens fast. When you get any type of momentum going and everything is falling into place thanks to great timing, it's a thrill. But always remember that it's going to slow down. It's going stop and new road blocks will appear. So just be ready for that.
Ken-ism: Keep your head level, stay out of the clouds. Sooner or later you'll fall back down to the crowds.
15. "Just tell yourself, Duckie, you're really quite lucky!"
When you've accomplished something that others would metaphorically kill for, you have to always remember how lucky you are. Whether it's a contest win, getting representation, getting optioned, getting published, getting an assignment, or making a sale, remember that you will likely find yourself stuck once again -- albeit on a different level.
Ken-ism: Instead of going back to complaining and wallowing in despair, remember that thousands would kill to be there.
16. "With your head full of brains and your shoes full of feet, you're too smart to go down any not-so-good street."
Be smart. Know that you are fully capable of smelling a bad deal or a dark path. Don't pay for representation. Don't buy into gimmicks and scams. Don't let your desperation cloud your judgement.
Ken-ism: If it smells like a stinky fish, a stinky fish it probably is.
17. "It is better to know how to learn than to know."
You need to learn what you need to learn. You can't know it all. Information overload will do you no good, whether you're learning about the craft or researching a project. Only focus on what you need to know within the context of your path or your project at hand. If you're writing a story about a WWII battle, don't read every single book about WWII. Narrow things down to what you need to know.
Ken-ism: No one should like a know-it-all, especially when it's you, because your mind shuts down when there's too much to do.
18. "You're on your own. And you know what you know. And you are the one who'll decide where to go."
Too many people talk about how the film, television, and publishing industry is all about who you know. Nothing could be further from the truth in the end because when push comes to shove, you're on your own and it's all up to you. You will choose which direction to go no matter what contacts and networking are presented to you.
Ken-ism: On your own is not lonely, if you understand this: you are in control, hit or miss.
19. "So, open your mouth, lad! For every voice counts!"
Remember that if you see some success and find yourself on assignment or getting notes from the higher ups, in the end you're the writer. They hired you for a reason and it's certainly not to put your tail between your legs and submit. Choose your battles wisely, but don't afraid to speak up, to disagree, or to plead your case.
Ken-ism: Don't cower and whimper, when you've been told this or that. Instead stand up and share your own this and that.
20. "Step with care and great tact, and remember that life's a great balancing act."
Yes, you need to stand up for what you believe, in regards to your script, your story, and your characters. But always tread lightly and with respect. Find ways to argue your case while sounding more collaborative than argumentative. Consider and acknowledge their notes and give them a reason to do the same for yours. That reason is handling yourself with great tact -- no matter what.
Ken-ism: You're great and you're awesome and maybe you're right. But it's a collaborative medium at the end of the night.
21. "Today I shall behave, as if this is the day I will be remembered."
This is how writers need to hand every page, every scene, every sequence, and every line of dialogue that they write. Don't just go through the motions of plotting and exposition to get to the next scene. Make everything count. Write everything as if it is going to be the trailer moment of the script or what readers and viewers will be talking about at the watercooler (they still have those, right?).
Ken-ism: Good is good, if you want to be that. Amazing is amazing, they'll remember you for that.
22. "You're off to great places! Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting, so get on your way!"
When you wake up in the morning, this is the type of attitude that you have to have. Not just in writing, but in life. You wake up knowing that yes, there are mountains to be climbed. Staying in bed or standing around complaining about it does you no good. Having a cynical outlook on Hollywood or whatever applies does you no good. Just get on your way.
Ken-ism: There's a place for all cynics, it's a place called Quit. I don't know about you, but I want nothing to do with it.
23. "A person's a person, no matter how small."
With whatever success that you have, big or small, remember that those underneath you on the totem pole are people just like you. Don't tip your nose up at them. Don't bombard them with negative feedback for the sake of your own ego. Instead, help them. Offer some sound advice. Take a chance and get to know them. Maybe even offer them a helping hand. Remember, you were there once too.
Ken-ism: Remember the little people that you have surpassed, for you once were one of them, don't forget the past.
24. "Now my troubles are going to have troubles with me!"
This goes back to attitude and how you should handle the day. You should wake up feeling that you'll be ready to handle anything that comes your way. If you're struggling with a story point or character, be ready to hit it head on after a night's rest. If you're having trouble getting your material read, be ready to find a way to break through.
Ken-ism: Setbacks, road blocks, and troubles beware. I'll overcome you all, I swear.
25. "So the writer who breeds more words than he needs, is making a chore for the reader who reads."
Don't overwrite. Plain and simple. The best writers can say the most by writing the least. If you can master that concept, your scripts WILL be read.
Ken-ism: Less is more, more is less. Don't cause the reader that stress.
26. "You can get help from teachers, but you are going to have to learn a lot by yourself, sitting alone in a room."
Seuss stated this himself outside of his books. It is perhaps one of the best collection of words of wisdom on writers. You can read all of the story and character theory you want. You can read the "secret formulas" to success and follow all of the trends. In the end, it's still just you, sitting alone in a room writing.
Ken-ism: No teacher can teach the story you are trying to preach.
27. "Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind."
This goes back to not being afraid to stand up for what you believe in when you're dealing with producers, representation, executives, directors, publishers, etc. Those that will continue to bicker, fight, and chastise you for challenging their notes are usually the ones that don't matter. The ones that DO matter will be smart enough to listen to what you have to say.
Ken-ism: The truth of the matter is -- and this quote is so right -- the real power players will respect the fight.
28. "I'm sorry to say so, but sadly it's true that bang-ups and hang-ups can happen to you."
You will fail more than you will ever succeed. Every writer that you look up to has failed more than you'll ever know. It's part of the process. It's part of the reality of being a writer. You've chosen a difficult path. There will be seemingly endless bang-ups and hang-ups. The best you can do is learn from each and every one of them and continue on.
Ken-ism: Success will evade you, failure will be near. But true winners will face it with no fear.
29. "Simple it's not, I am afraid you will find, for a mind-maker-upper to make up his mind."
It's hard to choose your next concept. And you know what? It should be. It shouldn't be easy. If it's easy, you're doing something wrong. If it's easy, you're playing it safe. Exhaust all possibilities and ideas before you choose your next project.
Ken-ism: Choose wisely, we say. Choose wisely in each and every possible way.
30. "You do not like them. So you say. Try them! Try them! And you may!"
This applies to many things in life and in writing. It may apply to accepting feedback and notes. Don't be afraid to consider or try what is being suggested. It may apply to trying to write in different genres that you're not comfortable with. You might be great with dramatic dialogue, but imagine how you could utilize that in an action, thriller, or horror genre. It may apply to an indie writer trying to write something big, or a studio writer trying to write something small. You'll never know unless you try.
Ken-ism: I am what I am, but I am what I try. And I'll take comfort in that when I lay down to die.
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