Literary Birthday – 17 May – Emily Henry

Happy Birthday, Emily Henry, born on 17 May 1991.

Emily Henry Quotes

1. As far as how to develop your writing, there really is no shortcut. To be a good writer, you should read as much as possible. Read things you like, read things you hate, and try to figure out what makes the difference. After that, you write. Even if you hate what you’re making, even if you doubt yourself, you write as much as you can, and you watch the gap between your taste and your ability shrink. (FAQs)
2. At first, a lot of us are prone to imitating the writers we admire, but as you write more, you’ll discover your own voice. Give yourself that time. (FAQs)
3. I’m a huge believer in finishing things. For many writers, starting a project is the fun, exciting part, but as we get further along, plots come undone, threads tangle, and fear sets in. There is no right way to write a book, but I’ve learned that for myself, committing to finishing a draft—even if a very bad one—is key. It is always easier for me to fix a book than it is to create one out of nothing. (FAQs)
4. Write what only you can write. Write what you want, regardless of whether you see anyone else doing the same thing. Don’t let yourself be caught up in trends (or frightened off by them, for that matter). Write what you are excited about and over time, learn to trust yourself and your vision. (FAQs)
5. Success in publishing is entirely separate from success in writing itself. Keep that in mind as you continue on your journey. No one else can tell you the value of your work, least of all someone who doesn’t understand it. Trust yourself. (FAQs)

Emily Henry is an American author who is best known for her 2020s romance novels that are often described as beach reads. They include Beach Read, People We Meet on Vacation, Book Lovers, and Great Big Beautiful Life, all of which are New York Times bestsellers. The first five of Henry’s adult romance books have been optioned for on-screen adaptations. Writing for Vulture in 2023, Allison P. Davis described Henry’s books as containing elements of the rom-com and chick lit genres and focusing on themes of ‘respect’ as well as love. Follow her on Instagram.

Source for image: Author’s Website

by Amanda Patterson

Are you interested in more authors’ birthdays? Please click here: Literary Birthday Calendar