...every writer I had ever known wrote his best work when he had his back up against the wall and thought he would never write another word.

And yet, wasn't the terrific thing about stories the fact that they joined readers together, that they made people realize they were not alone in their hopes, dreams, and fears?

Isn’t that why all writers write? To inspire their readers?

Every criminal would be an artist if he had the talent, and every artist would become a criminal if he had the guts.

...there was a certain comfort in surrender.

In reverent pauses, when we slow down and think about the gift of life, we may briefly touch humility.

There is no such thing as a coincidence. You will feel this before you know it.

Weeping bride laughing wife laughing bride weeping wife.

When I was a kid at four years old, that's when I started amateur wrestling with my dad and family. And when that's instilled in you, it never goes away.

Recovery is an acceptance that your life is in shambles and you have to change it.

Love is not a fire to be shut up in a soul. Everything betrays us: voice, silence, eyes; half-covered fires burn all the brighter.

the finest achievements are those of the pen. ... To me God the Father is a writer.

It may seem difficult at first, but everything is difficult at first.

All things from the north are devilish.

I am not opposed to intelligence reform on its face, but any changes should reflect the current context.