Art is not difficult because it wishes to be difficult, rather because it wishes to be art. However much the writer might long to be straightforward, these virtues are no longer available to him. He discovers that in being simple, honest, straightforward, nothing much happens.

Maybe writing can't be taught, but editing can be taught—prayer, fasting and self-mutilation.

See the moon? It hates us.

My mother studied English and drama at the University of Pennsylvania, where my father studied architecture. She was a great influence in all sorts of ways, a wicked wit.

How can you be alienated without first having been connected?

Well chaps first I'd like to say a few vile things more or less at random, not only because it is expected of me but also because I enjoy it.

The death of God left the angels in a strange position.