I don't judge in my books. I don't have to have the antagonist get shot or the protagonist win. It's just how it comes out. I'm just telling a story.

I spent most of my dough on booze, broads and boats and the rest I wasted.

My most important piece of advice to all you would-be writers: When you write, try to leave out all the parts readers skip.

If it sounds like writing, I rewrite it. Or, if proper usage gets in the way, it may have to go. I can't allow what we learned in English composition to disrupt the sound and rhythm of the narrative.

The line of dialogue belongs to the character; the verb is the writer sticking his nose in.

What do you tell a man with two black eyes? Nothing, he's already been told twice.

It doesn't have to make sense, it just has to sound like it does.

Using adverbs is a mortal sin.

At the time I begin writing a novel, the last thing I want to do is follow a plot outline. To know too much at the start takes the pleasure out of discovering what the book is about.

Try not to write the parts that people skip.

All the information you need can be given in dialogue.

That's the funny thing about America--the blessed thing. As many people as there are to hold you back, there are angels whose humanity makes up for all the others. I've had my share of angels.

Don't judge my past base on my present action, remember past and present are of two different timeline

The industry's changed so much that you can't just design something, put on a great show, and say, 'Okay, my job is done.'

When we hear a story of the abuse of a child or the abuse of women almost all people are appalled by instances of that kind.

A lie does not consist in the indirect position of words, but in the desire and intention, by false speaking, to deceive and injure your neighbour.

A new yogi doesn't handstand on their first try, and a new teacher doesn't start out as a headliner. Be patient, and trust it's all going to add up and unfold in due time.

Every man who would do anything well, must come to it from a higher ground.

My parents didn't like me. For bathtub toys they gave me a blender and a transistor radio.

One of the things I preach to all my staff is never be frightened to make a decision.

Now get you to my lady's chamber, and tell her, let her paint an inch thick, to this favour she must come; make her laugh at that.