Markus Zusak Quotes & Sayings

“Every time you find something that doesn't work, you're a step closer to what does work.”

“Living in Sydney, I've taken the chance to start surfing again. One of my best memories of growing up is catching my first proper wave and surfing across it and my brother cheering at me from the shore.”

“I think to be writer you have to enjoy being alone. I was a loner as a teenager and was always drawn to characters in books and films who were at the fringes.”

“Failure has been my best friend as a writer. It tests you, to see if you have what it takes to see it through.”

“I'm not a writer who refuses to talk about a book until I've finished.”

“I like the idea that every page in every book can have a gem on it. It's probably what I love most about writing - that words can be used in a way that's like a child playing in a sandpit, rearranging things, swapping them around.”

“When I was growing up, I wanted to be a house painter like my father, but I was always screwing up when I went to work with him. I had a talent for knocking over paint and painting myself into corners. I also realized fairly quickly that painting bored me.”

“I think 'The Lord Of The Rings' is the mother of all cult books, because you can be in that cult and not even know you're in it.”

“I try hard and aim big. People can hate or love my books but they can never accuse me of not trying.”

“I find writing extremely difficult. I usually have to drag myself to my desk, mainly because I doubt myself. And it's getting harder because I want to improve with every book.”