With characterization, you have to let go. You’ve got to release yourself from your grandiose intentions, your ambitions, your ideas about humanity, literature, and philosophy by focusing on the being-another-person aspect of it—which, by the way, is freeing, delightful, and one of the few real joys of writing. Stop worrying about writing a great novel—just become another human being.

ETHAN CANIN

The creative process is a process of surrender, not control. Mystery is at the heart of creativity. That, and surprise.
JULIA CAMERON