Scott Westerfeld Quotes

Powerful Scott Westerfeld for Daily Growth

About Scott Westerfeld

Scott Westerfeld (born September 5, 1965) is an internationally renowned American-Austrian author who has captivated readers with his imaginative, futuristic, and genre-blending novels for both adults and young adults. Born in Texas and raised in Australia, Westerfeld's multicultural background has significantly influenced his writing, allowing him to infuse diverse perspectives into his stories. He began his literary journey by self-publishing a science fiction novel at the age of 19 while still studying at the University of Melbourne. In the late '90s, Westerfeld returned to the United States and gained recognition with his debut young adult novel, "The Last Days" (1999). The novel's success paved the way for further works like "Peeps" (2005) and the critically acclaimed "Midnighters" trilogy (2004-2007), which revolve around themes of time manipulation and parallel universes. However, it was his 'Uglies' series (2005-2008) that truly catapulted Westerfeld into literary stardom. This dystopian series explores a world where everyone becomes beautiful at 16 but questions the true meaning of beauty and individuality. The series was followed by its companion work, 'Pretties' (2008), 'Specials' (2009), and 'Extras' (2010). Westerfeld's most ambitious project to date is the ' Leviathan' trilogy (2009-2012) – a steampunk adventure set during World War I, featuring clockwork animals and alternate history. This series was later expanded with the 'Goliath' duology (2013-2014). In 2013, Westerfeld co-authored "Zeroes" – a young adult superhero novel with Margo Lanagan and Deborah Biancotti. His recent works include the standalone novels 'Afterworlds' (2014) and 'Horizon' (2016). Scott Westerfeld continues to blend genres, push boundaries, and create unforgettable worlds that engage readers across the globe.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Love isn't something you find. Love is something that finds you."

This quote suggests that love isn't an object to be searched for or acquired, but rather it is a powerful force that comes to us when we least expect it. It implies that love has its own timing, direction, and purpose, and it is up to each individual to recognize and embrace it when it arrives in their life.


"The real heroes anyway aren’t the people doing things; the real heroes are the ones out there putting up with the rest of us doings."

This quote emphasizes the often overlooked value of endurance and patience in our society, highlighting those who "put up" with others as true heroes. It suggests that while attention may be given to those who take action or make progress ("the people doing things"), it is actually those around them - the supporters, listeners, teachers, friends - who persist through the challenges and complexities of human interactions, that deserve recognition as genuine heroes. These unsung heroes are the ones who keep society functioning amidst its diverse, sometimes chaotic individuals.


"Sometimes you catch a glimpse of someone else's story and it makes your own seem less alone."

This quote by Scott Westerfeld emphasizes the power of empathy and connection in understanding our own experiences. By witnessing another person's narrative, we gain perspective and realize that we are not isolated in our struggles. Seeing someone else's story can bring comfort, validation, and a sense of shared humanity, making our individual lives seem less lonely. It encourages us to open ourselves up to others, fostering empathy and understanding among people.


"Every world changes something in you, the kind of world it is tells you what."

This quote suggests that every experience or environment we encounter has an impact on our personal growth and identity. The nature of the world - whether it's a peaceful environment, a challenging situation, or even a tumultuous one - shapes us in unique ways, revealing our strengths, weaknesses, and helping us discover who we truly are. The quote serves as a reminder that our experiences, both positive and negative, contribute to shaping our character and perspective on life.


"Revolution is messy and dangerous and almost always ends up making things worse before they get better."

This quote suggests that revolutionary change, while often necessary for progress, can be chaotic and destructive. It implies that revolutions may initially exacerbate problems or create new ones before leading to a positive resolution. The quote serves as a reminder of the complexities and uncertainties inherent in significant transformations, encouraging caution and patience during times of upheaval.


I wouldn't say design has become strictly functional. A lot of cars these days look downright comic book to me, and the info-gadgets with which late industrial people spend the most time - phones, music players, etc. - are blobjects.

- Scott Westerfeld

Book, Phones, Functional, Etc

I have no formal training as a writer at all, not even a single English class in college. However, my adult books are all science fiction, which has some similarities to YA.

- Scott Westerfeld

College, However, Which, Similarities

I've learned a lot about stage-managing for illustration. Sometimes you have to delete characters from a scene just to keep from overcrowding the image. I've also learned to making big-scale design decisions early.

- Scott Westerfeld

Making, Image, Learned, Illustration

The difference between being a part-time writer and a full-time writer is like the difference between dating someone and living with them. Some of the romance is gone, but you learn things you'd never know just by dating.

- Scott Westerfeld

Some, Romance, Full-Time, Part-Time

When I finish a first draft, I often look back at first chapters I wrote and laugh at them. They're like pictures of yourself in middle school. You're embarrassed to see them.

- Scott Westerfeld

Middle, Like, Chapters, Middle School

I think any List of Best X creates arguments and people saying 'You listed that rubbish?' That's what lists like this are for.

- Scott Westerfeld

Think, Like, I Think, Listed

I moved to New York when I was 21 or 22 as a graduate fellow.

- Scott Westerfeld

New York, New, Moved, Graduate

Luckily for writers - and unluckily for history - every scientific idea creates human conflict.

- Scott Westerfeld

Idea, Scientific, Luckily, Conflict

Ninety percent of the research comes first. I mostly blunder around reading stuff and talking to smart people until an idea batters or oozes its way through to my narrative brain.

- Scott Westerfeld

Through, Idea, Mostly, Blunder

Warning stickers on books would be a nightmare.

- Scott Westerfeld

Nightmare, Books, Would, Warning

I have no problem with commenters stating strong opinions, except for my usual annoyance with people who don't agree with me.

- Scott Westerfeld

Strong, Stating, Usual, Annoyance

I found a great book called 'Slang Through the Ages' by Jonathon Green. It's basically a thesaurus of historical slang, and had lots of great old uses.

- Scott Westerfeld

Green, Through, Slang, Uses

When the term 'machine gun' enters common parlance, the word 'machine' becomes much more sinister.

- Scott Westerfeld

Gun, More, Machine Gun, Sinister

Sometimes you have to delete characters from a scene just to keep from overcrowding the image.

- Scott Westerfeld

Sometimes, Image, Characters, Delete

I have no formal training as a writer at all, not even a single English class in college.

- Scott Westerfeld

College, Single, Even, Formal

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