The child-teacher relationship is crucial.

I even went so far as to become a Southern Baptist for a while, until I realized that they didn't hold 'em under long enough.

Money can buy you a fine dog, but only love can make him wag his tail.

I admit I was drinking a Guinness... but I did not swallow.

And I think musicians can better run this state than politicians. And, hell, beauticians can better run the state than politicians.

Musicians can run this state better than politicians. We won't get a lot done in the mornings, but we'll work late and be honest.

Poly means more than one, and ticks are bloodsucking parasites.

Well, I just said that Jesus and I were both Jewish and that neither of us ever had a job, we never had a home, we never married and we traveled around the countryside irritating people.

I just want Texas to be number one in something other than executions, toll roads and property taxes.

When a stray animal crosses your path, it may be as close to God as you're going to get in this lifetime.

People may surprise you with unexpected kindness. Dogs have a depth of loyalty that often we seem unworthy of. But the love of a cat is a blessing, a privilege in this world.

Most of the world's problems will be solved if literacy prevailed.

Marcus turned his back to her. He feared that if he saw her face, it might weaken his resolve. Love was indeed a madness.

Virtue was vanity dressed up and waiting for applause.

My mother had handed down respect for the possibilities...and the will to grasp them.

The rich today are richer, there are more of them, they have round-the-clock propaganda factories in Rupert Murdoch's empire and rightwing talk radio, and corporate media have their back.

I always wish I'd had more mentors, better mentors, wiser mentors, people who were proper professional working musicians to guide me as I was coming up.

I hate being looked at. Can't stand it. I know, I know - I picked the wrong career.

The world is a lie...not you and me.

Every novel generates its own climate, when you get going.

The court's recent understanding of religion as a private matter for individuals has plainly become malnourished and impoverished.