To this noble end the delegates had pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor.

You've got to marinate your head, in that time and culture. You've got to become them." (Speaking about researching, and reading, and immersing yourself in History)

They must be cool but determined...he threatened instant death to any man who showed cowardice.

We still dislike hypocrites. It's a very American characteristic. We still like people who have ideas and who are willing to stand up for what they believe in. We're very forgiving of failures and very willing to give people a second and third chance if they mean to do better and are sorry for what they've done.

Writing is thinking. To write well is to think clearly. That's why it's so hard.

Read. Read. Read. Read. Read great books. Read poetry, history, biography. Read the novels that have stood the test of time. And read closely.

I feel that as much as I enjoy loafing, there is something higher for which to live.