I take it for granted that there's a side of me that loves public action, and there's another side of me that really wants to be alone and work and write. And I've learned to alternate the two as matters develop.
Norman MailerOnly another writer can know how much damage writing a novel can do to you. It's an unnatural activity to sit at a desk and squeeze words out of yourself.
Norman MailerThe fact that we've been a great democracy doesn't mean we will automatically keep being one if we keep waving the flag.
Norman Mailer