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.

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.

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.

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

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

I change the world, the world changes me.

Who said I won't fail? I might. Who said I might give up? I won't.

With the faith of a child and the wisdom of an old man one can achieve great things.

Sometimes the real action in a conversation takes place in the pauses, when nothing at all is being said.

Abortion is a hard thing for Hollywood to deal with because it is so controversial and you don't want to alienate half your audience by sending one message or the other.

I carry my roots with me all the time rolled up, I use them as my pillow.

The Park Avenue of poodles and polished brass; it is cab country, tip-town, glassville, a window-washer's paradise.

I wonder if it's possible to be a Republican and a Christian at the same time.

If President Young wants my wives I will give them to him without a grumble, and he can take them whenever he likes.

Mary Anning [is] probably the most important unsung (or inadequately sung) collecting force in the history of paleontology.