I read The Old Curiosity Shop before I began Blackwood Farm. I was amazed at the utter madness in that book.

In these last few days, we were close because we were both mortal men. We saw the same sun and the same twilight, we felt the same pull of the earth beneath our feet. We drank together and broke bread together. We might have made love together, if you had only allowed such a thing. But that’s all changed. You have your youth, yes, and all the dizzying wonder that accompanies the miracle. But I still see death when I look at you. I know now I cannot be your companion, and you cannot be mine

Without memory there can be no insight. Without love, there can be no appreciation.

There may be writing groups where people meet but it's occasional. You really do it all at your own computer or your own typewriter by yourself.

Say what you will to the force that governs the universe. Perhaps we'll call it into being, and it will yet love us as we love it.

Don't you see? I'm not the spirit of any age. I'm at odds with everything and always have been! I have never belonged anywhere with anyone at any time!

I think love can save the world. When we love, we completely recognize the value of the other.