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.

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.

Try not to write the parts that people skip.

All the information you need can be given in dialogue.

Everyone has his own sound. I'm not going to presume how to tell anybody how to write.

God’s timing determines the fruit of the harvest.

There are so many professing Christians who are walking hand in hand with the world that you cannot tell the difference between the Christian and the unbeliever. This should never be.

You won't be benefited unless & until you give a chance.

I am glad there are things in the Bible I do not understand. If I could take that book up and read it as I would any other book, I might think I could write a book like that.

A fool hath no dialogue within himself, the first thought carrieth him without the reply of a second.

Eating too much meat gives you indigestion and evil thoughts make you eat too much meat.

The act of writing is either something the writer dreads or actually likes, and I actually like it. Even re-writing's fun. You're getting somewhere, whether it seems to move or not.

If you can tell anyone about it, it's not the worst thing you ever did.

I will never play for the Miami Heat.