...at last I understood that writing was this: an impulse to share with other people a feeling or truth that I myself had.

Advertising companies hire the very brightest, wittiest young people to write for them. Not one single sentence of it is worth repeating. Why? Because it wasn't meant.

Of course, in fairness, I must remind you of this: that we writers are the most lily-livered of all craftsmen. We expect more, for the most peewee efforts, than any other people.

Inspiration comes to us slowly and quietly . prime it with a little solitude.

Be bold, free, and truthful.

So remember these two things: you are talented and you are original. Be sure of that. I say this because self-trust is one of the very most important things in writing.

We start out in our lives as little children, full of light and the clearest vision.