Before I became a writer, I was a reader. To rephrase that: I’ve always been a writer, but didn’t always know I was a writer, so let’s go with that. However, I’m still a reader.
Opening a book for the first time and seeing a quote means something to me. When I began writing my first book, I wanted a quote too. At that early stage in my writing career, I didn’t know the rules for using quotes, so I skipped using a quote in my first two books.
As I learned more about writing, I realized I still wanted to use a quote in the beginning of my books. My first book with a quote was Howdy, Ma’am from the Bull Rider Series. It wasn’t like I searched and searched for a quote for this book, although on occasion I’d browse. When I came across one in particular, I knew it was the perfect quote for this book. Here it is, and thank you again, Robert.
You will not find a soulmate in the quiet of your room. You must go to a noisy place and look in the quiet corners.”
~ By Robert Brault
Well, come on now… Quiet corners? Bull Riding? Yes! Readers of the book will understand this. This quote is perfect for Howdy, Ma’am. Mr. Brault, how did you know?
A reviewer mentioned this quote in a review.
…The hero and heroine were both hurting, with scabs not scars, and they needed healing. I loved how they provided that for one another. The absolute best part was the emotional connection between Caulder and Velia. The quote the author used at the very beginning, said so much about the story – “You will not find a soulmate in the quiet of your room. You must go to a noisy place and look in the quiet corners. By Robert Brault” (This snippet is taken from Night Owl Reviews.)
As a writer, I have learned how important it is to ask questions whether it be for research purposes, or in this case, permission. Sometimes a writer even has to ask embarrassing questions. (That’s another story.) I asked for permission to use this quote in my book and permission was granted.
From The New Robert Brault Reader: Robert Brault is: “a free-lance writer who has contributed to magazines and newspapers in the USA for over 40 years.” And he gave me permission! I’m so honored. I’ve since used his quotes in other books with his permission.
Today when I decided to use this particular quote for my Monday Inspiration for the Muse post, I visited Robert’s site. To my surprise I found out Robert had a new book. I had already purchased his first book, so I clicked to Amazon to buy the second one. His wife has done the covers for his books.
I’ve been a fan for quite a few years now, so I’d love to introduce you to Robert Brault’s Website and also to his books.
Thoughts on Just About Everything
[I love this book!]
Thoughts and Other Writings
I hope you can take the time to visit Robert’s site and read some of his beautiful quotes and other work.
Thank you for stopping by today. Have a fabulous week.
Again, Thank you, Robert.
Mary J. McCoy-Dressel ~ Contemporary Romance 
14 thoughts on “Monday Inspiration for the Muse: Quote #2”
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catherinewolffe53
Love this post, Mary. I enjoyed learning more about you as an author and your muse. Thanks for sharing.
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Mary J. McCoy-Dressel
Hi, Catherine. Thanks for your visit and comment. I’m glad you enjoyed the post.
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D. Wallace Peach
I love YOUR quote too. “I’ve always been a writer, but didn’t always know I was a writer.” I like the quotes at the start of books too, but have never used one. Thanks for the inspiration. 🙂
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Mary J. McCoy-Dressel
Aw, thanks, Diana. I didn’t even give it a thought that I actually wrote a decent quote, but I like it too. LOL. Thanks! Somewhere way back I must have read a quote in a book that meant something special to me, so now I think I have to do it too. 🙂
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Mary Ann
That is a great quote for your book. How romantic! 🙂
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Mary J. McCoy-Dressel
Thank you, Mary Ann. Both books in that series have been revised, shortened, and reedited, but I didn’t touch my favorite quotes. I’m glad you stopped by to read my post.
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davidprosser
I’d say it’s time to start with your own quotes now Mary J. It won’t be long before someone is asking permission to use it in their own books.
xxx Massive Hugs xxx
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Mary J. McCoy-Dressel
I love your confidence in me, David, that’s sweet. Thanks! Enjoy your day, and best of luck with your books. Let’s not forget you’re an author too. 🙂
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teagan geneviene
Indeed, that is the perfect quote for the book! What a marvelous post Mary! I have not thought of using a quote that way. But I can see how it adds to the reader’s experience. Well done. Mega hugs!
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Mary J. McCoy-Dressel
I like to see books with quotes and then try to figure out why it was used. I have one in all my books except for the first two, but in a couple books, I put the quote at the end of the story, after The End. In those cases, the quote fit best there. One of these days I’ll use my own quote. I’m glad you liked the post. Thanks for reading.
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teagan geneviene
I really did like it. Good insights and ideas. I’m not sure it’s something I will do (especially since I didn’t for the first Atonement book — and I’m trying to keep them consistent across the series)… Maybe a for something else.
Wishing you a good, snow-free week! Hugs.
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Mary J. McCoy-Dressel
I agree with keeping your books in the series consistent, and I guess it depends on if it’s typical for your genre, but then again… Do what is right for you.. Temps are above normal this week, so I sure won’t complain about that.
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