One of the things I had to learn as a writer was to trust the act of writing. To put myself in the position of writing to find out what I was writing.

Writing is like driving at night in the fog. You can only see as far as your headlights, but you can make the whole trip that way.

All secrets become deep. All secrets become dark. That's in the nature of secrets.

Good writing is supposed to evoke sensation in the reader - not the fact that it is raining, but the feeling of being rained upon.

When in trouble or in doubt, run in circles, scream and shout.

Writing is an exploration. You start from nothing and learn as you go.

Never underestimate the determination of a kid who is time-rich and cash-poor.

I am often asked the question How can the masses permit themselves to be exploited by the few. The answer is By being persuaded to identify with them.

The three most important documents a free society gives are a birth certificate, a passport, and a library card.

Writers are not just people who sit down and write. They hazard themselves. Every time you compose a book your composition of yourself is at stake.

Writing is a socially acceptable form of schizophrenia.

Whoever fights monsters should see to it that in the process he does not become a monster. And if you gaze long enough into an abyss, the abyss will gaze back into you.

For when you look at the ceiling, or down at the floor, when the trouble's before you, you're begging for more.

When we kissed, the skies had never appeared more heavenly, nor the seas a more brilliant shade of sapphire blue.

It is so good that you can love someone for how long you want and no one can arrest you for that crime.

I make sure I make a painting - that's my job. And I cook the Sunday dinner.

I am sure of this, that if everybody was to drink their bottle a day, there would be not half the disorders in the world there are now. It would be a famous good thing for us all.

My opposition to the socialist and the other consists in attacking violence as a means of effecting any lasting reform.

Growing up as an amateur, I wasn't much of a power puncher. I was more of a speed guy.

For me, nothing brings out my 'born yesterday' idiotic qualities quite like having my photograph taken.

I choose to believe in God because it makes things better.