Everyone else had the look of tired patience people always got when listening to a sermon, no matter what the century.

Fred Astaire is my hero. I love him because he was willing to kill himself to make his art look effortless. And because he proved it's possible to be an artist and a good person.

I learned everything I know about plot from Dame Agatha (Christie).

I have never written anything in one draft, not even a grocery list, although I have heard from friends that this is actually possible.

And every place and time an author writes about is imaginary, from Oz to Raymond Chandler's L.A. to Dickens's London.

It is my belief that everything you need to know about the world can be learned in a church choir.

Why do only the awful things become fads? I thought. Eye-rolling and Barbie and bread pudding. Why never chocolate cheesecake or thinking for yourself?

I have great faith in the future of books - no matter what form they may take - and of science fiction.

Science fiction is an amazing literature: plot elements that you would think would be completely worn out by now keep changing into surprising new forms.

To do something for someone or something you loved-England or Shakespeare or a dog or the Hodbins or history-wasn't a sacrifice at all. Even if it cost you your freedom, your life, your youth.

Writers are too neurotic to ever be happy.

You go to school everyday. Folks who think they've learned everything they need to know are usually dumber than chickens.

The star rises from the east. Watch out! Your star will guide you.

Make sure you know the Bible well enough to figure out if what someone says is fact or their own opinions. If you don't it could lead you in the wrong direction.

If you never take risks, you'll never accomplish great things. Everybody dies, but not everyone has lived.

My mother and I, our favorite part of any baked pasta is the top, where the cheese gets crusty.

When I sing, I pick out people in the audience and pinpoint on them. So if you feel that I am singing just for you, you may be right!

Induction is a process of inference; it proceeds from the known to the unknown.

Many states favor joint custody.

Do not be afraid of what God asks of you! It is worth saying 'yes' to God. In him we find joy.

In Europe public men do resign. But here it's a lost art. You have to impeach 'em.