September 13th is Roald Dahl Day. Did you know his book Matilda is full of helpful advice for writers?

Here are 5 favorite quotes from Matilda providing wise advice.

  1. “Never do anything in halves. Go the whole hog. Make sure everything you do is so completely crazy it’s unbelievable.”

(Do not be afraid to go where your imagination takes you.)

  1. “She felt fairly confident that with a great deal of practice and effort, she would succeed in the end!”

(Never give up, persevere.)

  1. “We may be small but we’re quite tough.”

(Don’t shy away from difficult subjects when writing for children.)

  1. “These books gave Matilda a hopeful and comforting message. You are not alone.

(Create stories that are mirrors. Support diverse voices.)

  1. “Somewhere inside all of us is the power to change the world.”

(Never forget stories have the magic the world needs.)