Contrary to what many writers imply about the process, nobody forces a writer to sell his work to the film industry.

Reading a novel in which all characters illustrate patience, hard work, chastity, and delayed gratification could be a pretty dull experience.

I do try not to spend much time reading in the suspense genre.

I don't have dry seasons, because I don't allow them.

I had been writing fiction since I was in eighth grade, because I loved it.

If I don't have a project going, I sit down and begin to write something - a character sketch, a monologue, a description of some sight, or even just a list of ideas.

Yes, in my books I do edit myself to keep from becoming the Village Explainer.

Much of what we do in life has a huge component of luck.

I do want to write about Jane Whitefield again, but only when I have a good enough idea - something I've figured out about her that's news and that's worth a reader's time.

It's important, I think, for a writer of fiction to maintain an awareness of the pace and shape of the book as he's writing it. That is, he should be making an object, not chattering.

Being comfortable isn't the way to learn to expand your abilities.

A fool's mind is at the mercy of his tongue, and a wise man's tongue is under the control of his mind.

Men are private. This I have learned. They are whole continents of privacy

I'm always sad when Dad doesn't like my columns. He waits for them every week and usually likes them, in which case he doesn't say a word - it's only if he's critical that he bothers to call.

I like to use big words so people will think I know what I'm talking about.

You may think there is a lot wrong with you, but there is also a lot right with you.

It's amazing how quickly human beings adapt, isn't it? It was such a great crew, and David [Lynch] was wonderful to work with [on 'The Elephant Man']. It was a very thrilling time, actually.

The only weapon I've got is comedy

Seeing is limited by two borders: Strong light, which blinds, and total darkness.

I watch movies all the time, so it's hard to pick certain specific directors that have inspired me in the aggregate.

The future is not a scenario written, which we only have to act out; it is a work which we have to create.