I've always hated quotation marks: they're ugly on the page and they classify the text for you, putting dialogue in one box and narration in another.

I don't think virtue has a downside. I think human nature does.

When you write, you're supposed to go stand somewhere else for a while, see things from a perspective that's not in line with your own reflexive truths.

I have to trick myself into writing a story - impose some arbitrary constraint to distract me from the constraints of my past habits or my fear that I don't have much to say.

I think it's very hard to be sexually explicit and erotic - though there are writers, like K. M. Soehnlein, who are just brilliant at this.

If you cross-section anyone's life from one angle and then another, what constitutes goodness looks different each time. It's not an absolute.

You have to be able to play: this is spontaneous interaction, and it flexes all the creative muscles you need as a writer. And empathy is one of those muscles.

Why could you not have left me as I was, in the sea of being?""Because the world has need of your humility, your piety, your great teaching and your Machiavellian scheming.

Lose your mind and come to your senses.

The records of adopted children are sealed in California. That seal is considered inviolable... The judge ruled that, because I was famous, he didn't have the same rights as other kids.

Always be courageous and strong, and don't fear.

He (man) is both dust of earth and breath of God.

I love beautiful women, and beautiful women love me. It has to be both ways.

The Lord is the General, and he has the right . . . the sovereign right . . . to put us where he wants in the battle.

I do not like abortions. I will do everything in my power to restrict abortion.

Either you will have harmony with God and friction with people, or you will have harmony with people and friction with God.

Recycling isn't going to save the world, but being conscious of it and your surroundings can.