7 Bits Of Writing Advice From Cormac McCarthy

In this post, we share seven memorable bits of writing advice from Cormac McCarthy, the Pulitzer Prize-winning American novelist.

McCarthy’s fiction is uncompromising, haunting, and unforgettable. Novels such as Outer Dark, Blood Meridian, and The Road have influenced generations of readers and writers with their spare prose, moral complexity, and powerful storytelling.

About Cormac McCarthy

Cormac McCarthy was born on 20 July 1933 and died on 13 June 2023. His debut novel, The Orchard Keeper, was published in 1965, followed by Outer Dark three years later. His best-known novel, The Road (2006), tells the story of a father and son’s journey through a post-apocalyptic world. McCarthy based many of the conversations between the two characters on those he had with his own son.

Throughout his career, McCarthy received numerous honours, including the Pulitzer Prize, the National Book Award, and the William Faulkner Foundation Award.

Here are seven lessons writers can learn from Cormac McCarthy.

7 Bits Of Writing Advice From Cormac McCarthy

1. Write… And Rewrite

‘Writing is rewriting.’ – 2007 Rolling Stone Interview

Every first draft is only the beginning. The real work happens during revision, where ideas become clearer, characters grow stronger, and unnecessary words disappear. Don’t expect perfection the first time—expect to rewrite.

2. Use Outlines (And Don’t)

‘If you’re writing mystery stories or something, you might want to have an outline, because it all has to have a logic and fall into place and have a beginning, a middle and an end. But if you’re writing a novel, the best things just sort of come out of the blue. It’s a subconscious process. You don’t really know what you’re doing most of the time.’ – 2007 Rolling Stone Interview

McCarthy believed that every writer works differently. Some stories need careful planning, while others reveal themselves during the writing process. If inspiration takes your story somewhere unexpected, don’t be afraid to follow it. You can always bring order to the manuscript during revision.

3. Enjoy Writing

‘I like what I do. Some writers have said in print that they hated writing and it was just a chore and a burden. I certainly don’t feel that way about it.’ – 2007 Oprah Winfrey Interview

Writing isn’t always easy, but it should still bring satisfaction. If every writing session feels like a burden, try changing your routine, experimenting with a new genre, or writing something purely for pleasure. Enjoying the process makes it easier to keep going.

4. Build A Writing Routine That Works

‘I rise at six and work through the morning, every morning, seven days a week. I find the sun has a forlorn truth before noon. The words come unbidden. By early afternoon I have to quit.’ – The Paris Review (No. 223) Interview

McCarthy understood the value of routine. He wrote during the hours when he felt most creative and stopped when his concentration faded. Every writer’s schedule is different, but having a regular writing habit helps ideas become books.

5. Accept That Writing Can Be Difficult

‘I had no money, I mean none. I had run out of toothpaste and I was wondering what to do when I went to the mailbox and there was a free sample.’ – 2005 Vanity Fair Interview

McCarthy’s success didn’t come easily. Before receiving a writing grant in 1981, he struggled financially while continuing to write. His story is a reminder that many successful authors face setbacks before finding recognition. Persistence often matters as much as talent.

6. Don’t Write Epics (Anymore)

‘But the indulgent, 800-page books that were written a hundred years ago are just not going to be written anymore and people need to get used to that. If you think you’re going to write something like The Brothers Karamazov or Moby Dick, go ahead. Nobody will read it. I don’t care how good it is, or how smart the readers are. Their intentions, their brains are different.’ – The Wall Street Journal Interview

McCarthy believed modern readers approach books differently from previous generations. While every story should be exactly as long as it needs to be, writers should avoid unnecessary length. Strong storytelling comes from precision, not excess.

7. Collaboration Isn’t For Everyone

‘Yes, it would compel you to avoid it at all costs.’ – 2009 Wall Street Journal Interview

McCarthy preferred writing alone, but that doesn’t mean every writer should. Some authors thrive through collaboration, while others need solitude to do their best work. The important thing is finding the creative process that suits you.

The Last Word

Cormac McCarthy’s advice is refreshingly practical: rewrite without mercy, trust your instincts, build a routine, and keep going even when writing feels difficult. His career reminds us that great books are built through patience, discipline, and a lifelong commitment to the craft. Whether you’re writing your first novel or your tenth, these lessons are worth returning to whenever you sit down to write.

Source for Image: https://www.cormacmccarthy.com/biography/

By Alex J. Coyne. Alex is a writer, proofreader, and regular card player. His features about cards, bridge, and card playing have appeared in Great Bridge Links, Gifts for Card Players, Bridge Canada Magazine, and Caribbean Compass. Get in touch at alexcoyneofficial.com.

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