Indeed, learning to write may be part of learning to read. For all I know, writing comes out of a superior devotion to reading.

Human life is fiction's only theme.

Learning stamps you with it's moments. Childhood's learning is made up of moments. It isn't steady. It's a pulse.

I am a writer who came from a sheltered life. A sheltered life can be a daring life as well. For all serious daring starts from within.

Henry James said there isn't any difference between "the English novel" and "the American novel" since there are only two kinds of novels at all, the good and the bad.

I can't think I had much of a sense of humor as long as I remained the only child. When my brother Edward came along we both became comics, making each other laugh.

Words can make or break, use your words carefully

A word is not the same with one writer as with another. One tears it from his guts. The other pulls it out of his overcoat pocket.

A life spent writing has taught me to be wary of words. Those that seem clearest are often the most treacherous.

I'm French. I have not become an Englishman. I have the impression of living on an island called Arsenal. If you fancy a sightseeing tour of London, don't ask me. You would get lost.

You never really know how or when your life is going to change, and that's for the best.

My best beauty secret is simple: Have the right palette and the right colors and remember, you need so much less makeup than you think.

I'm Joan of Arc. I figured we had a lot in common, seeing as how I was almost burned at the stake. And plus she had that close relationship with God.

He who retreats lives longer.

No power on this earth can destroy the thirst for human dignity

I roll onto my side and stare out the venetian blinds at the blue sky beyond. After a few minutes I'm lulled into a sort of peace. The sky, the sky--same as it always was.