James Rollins Quotes on Writing: The Complete Collection

james rollins quotes on writing
by CJ McDaniel // July 18  

Murder, fantasy, and chaos are a few of the themes that notable American author James Rollins explored in his writing career. His way of unveiling historical secrets, unseen worlds, and scientific breakthroughs while spicing things up with suspense made him the #1 New York Times bestselling author of international thrillers. Moreover, he has sold over 20 million books, translated into more than forty languages. James Rollins wasn’t just known as the worldwide best-selling writer of action-adventure, fantasy, mystery, and techno-thriller books. He was also a well-known writing instructor and guest lecturer across the country. James Rollins’ success continues to inspire generations of writers that even his quotes on writing are gaining fame, especially for aspirants and established writers in the field.

Born James Paul Czajkowski in Chicago, Illinois, on August 20, 1961, American writer James Rollins’ passion for writing sparked early in life. Younger Rollins would immerse himself in reading the Doc Savage series, including popular 1930s and 1940s pulp magazine stories. His fascination with these stories helped him realize which career to pursue later in life—writing. He then started to sharpen his storytelling skills which later emerged and grew better in time.

Rollins may have discovered his passion for writing early in life, but it didn’t immediately become the profession he pursued. He first found success in veterinary medicine, graduating from the University of Missouri before establishing a successful veterinary clinic in Sacramento, California. James eventually gave up his veterinary practice to become a full-time author under his pen name, James Rollins. Moreover, he has another pseudonym, James Clemens, which he used to publish several fantasy novels. Since then, Rollins has released one bestselling book after another, earning him the #1 New York Times bestseller of international thrillers.

Writers of all sorts will find James Rollins’ quotes on writing valuable for their craft, especially if they hope to achieve his level of success in the future.

James Rollins Quotes About Writing

American writer James Rollins’ works were translated into 40 languages, proving his worldwide fame. His famous writings include the bestselling Sigma Force series, The Blood Gospel series, and six standalone thrillers. Apart from the compelling storylines he used, his writing style, which he changes depending on the genre of his story, also plays a vital role in his popularity. Considering these factors, it’s no wonder why many writers look up to his works and quotes about writing!

I do have an office where about 70 percent of my writing gets done, but sometimes it does get a bit stir-crazy to be cooped up in there, so I’ll grab my laptop and write somewhere else: another room in the house, out on the patio, or even Heaven-forbid, a trip to Starbucks. But I also write on the road.

– James Rollins

I’m pretty disciplined to keep the momentum of a story going by writing everyday, even if it’s only a couple paragraphs or a page or two.

– James Rollins

Fiction writing was in my blood from a very young age, but I never considered writing as a real career. I thought you had to have some literary pedigree to be a successful author, the son of Hemingway or Fitzgerald.

– James Rollins

The turning point was when I hit my 30th birthday. I thought, if really want to write, it’s time to start. I picked up the book How to Write a Novel in 90 Days. The author said to just write three pages a day, and I figured, I can do this. I never got past Page 3 of that book.

– James Rollins

Generally, if you preface an interview request with, ‘I’m an author writing a book,’ for some reason, that seems to open a lot of doors.

– James Rollins

I wrote for years before I was ever published, and I don’t think I could ever stop. That said, I was also a veterinarian before I sold my first book, and I still volunteer my time to help with animal welfare causes. So that is a career I would be happy to return to – while still secretly writing strange stories back in my doctor’s office.

– James Rollins

I read anything I could get my hands on: science fiction, fantasy, horror, thrillers. I even became hooked on the Bantam reprints of the old pulp novels from thirties and forties: Doc Savage, The Shadow, The Avenger.

– James Rollins

I think the worst and most insidious procrastination for me is research. I will be looking for some bit of fact or figure to include in the novel, and before I know, I’ve wasted an entire morning delving into that subject matter without a word written.

– James Rollins

Whenever I start a novel, I’m always looking for two things: a bit of science that makes me go ‘what if?’ and a piece of history that ends in a question mark.

– James Rollins

I started writing short stories. I tried writing horror, mystery, science fiction. I joined a little critique group here in town and ran my stories past them. After about three years, I tackled my first novel, Subterranean. It took me 11 months to write.

– James Rollins

James Rollins Quotes About Books

Rollin’s passion for writing started when he took an interest in reading a broad category of literature. He would read voraciously, using the Doc Savage novels as one of his influences in writing. James also reads books by Jules Verne, C.S. Lewis, H.G. Wells, and many more.

As a reader and writer, James Rollins values books as much as you’ll find value in his quotes about books.

Books are keys that open many doors

– James Rollins

With two books a year, I don’t have time for writer’s block.

– James Rollins

The turning point was when I hit my 30th birthday. I thought, if really want to write, it’s time to start. I picked up the book How to Write a Novel in 90 Days. The author said to just write three pages a day, and I figured, I can do this. I never got past Page 3 of that book.

– James Rollins

Generally, if you preface an interview request with, ‘I’m an author writing a book,’ for some reason, that seems to open a lot of doors.

– James Rollins

I wrote for years before I was ever published, and I don’t think I could ever stop. That said, I was also a veterinarian before I sold my first book, and I still volunteer my time to help with animal welfare causes. So that is a career I would be happy to return to – while still secretly writing strange stories back in my doctor’s office.

– James Rollins

Quotes About Pleasure

Quotes provide great insight for writers to determine someone else’s perspective on a particular subject. For example, if you’re interested to hear what James Rollins thinks of pleasure, check out these quotes! Although there isn’t much in this list, it’ll give you an overview of what the writer believes about the mentioned subject and how he uses it for his field.

I don’t actually have a one wellspring of inspiration. Though I’m most often inspired while reading – both fiction and nonfiction. I subscribe to National Geographic, Scientific American, Discover, and a slew of other magazines. And it is while reading articles for pleasure and interest that an interesting ‘What if?’ will pop into my head.

– James Rollins

James Rollins Quotes About Ability

James Rollins remains one of the most influential writers of today’s generation, especially action/adventure and thriller novelists. His excellence and ability in writing are undeniable. Speaking of ability, are you curious to see his quotes about this subject? If so, you’ll delight in the list you’ll see below. Check it out now!

The hope for our nation and our world lies within our ability to innovate and move forward technologically.

– James Rollins

Quotes About Ideas

Thoughts, ideas, and perspectives mean a lot for writers and anyone in the creative field. The same goes for American writer James Rollins. If you’re as passionate as him in writing, you’ll find his words valuable when formulating your story. For example, come and look at James Rollins’ quote about ideas!

For some reason, some of my best solutions and ideas are triggered in those dark theaters, usually totally unrelated to what’s going on onscreen. I also enjoy hiking in the foothills and mountains close to Sacramento. I always have to bring a pen and paper to jot down sudden thoughts and ideas. So inspiration arises from countless sources.

– James Rollins

James Rollins has written more than 20 novels throughout his career, most of which reached bestseller status and even translated into various languages. His compelling stories and writing style contributed a lot to his ever-growing popularity, and it’s unsurprising why he’s successful in his chosen career. He’s an incredible inspiration for many writers, making James Rollins’ quotes on writing a much sought-after topic under his name.

Are you looking for more inspiration in writing other than these quotes from James Baldwin? Check more quotes on writing from other authors in our collection here.

About the Author

CJ grew up admiring books. His family owned a small bookstore throughout his early childhood, and he would spend weekends flipping through book after book, always sure to read the ones that looked the most interesting. Not much has changed since then, except now some of those interesting books he picks off the shelf were designed by his company!