Much of what we do in life has a huge component of luck.

Reading a novel in which all characters illustrate patience, hard work, chastity, and delayed gratification could be a pretty dull experience.

I do try not to spend much time reading in the suspense genre.

I don't have dry seasons, because I don't allow them.

I had been writing fiction since I was in eighth grade, because I loved it.

If I don't have a project going, I sit down and begin to write something - a character sketch, a monologue, a description of some sight, or even just a list of ideas.

Yes, in my books I do edit myself to keep from becoming the Village Explainer.

I do want to write about Jane Whitefield again, but only when I have a good enough idea - something I've figured out about her that's news and that's worth a reader's time.

It's important, I think, for a writer of fiction to maintain an awareness of the pace and shape of the book as he's writing it. That is, he should be making an object, not chattering.

Contrary to what many writers imply about the process, nobody forces a writer to sell his work to the film industry.

Being comfortable isn't the way to learn to expand your abilities.

The sun symbolizes the Divine intelligence

In the future, there will be no female leaders. There will just be leaders.

Yer feelin's is like ras'berry vinegar: if you're skeered to use 'em an' keep on savin' 'em, first thing you know they've done 'vaporated!

Me and crazy Janey were making love in the dirt singing our birthday songs.

Go down to the Republican headquarters. They ain't got a single black working there. Not one.

But afterwards, is there nothing more for me in life - no true home - nothing to be dearer to me than myself?

There is no force in the universe more powerful than your will or power.

In the life of a real writer, nothing is ever lost, no word you write is a waste of your time or energy.

I only need to know one thing. Am I going to need the flamethrower?

For those moments when it's just you and the rock and the ice and the snow, life always makes sense.