The whole problem is to establish communication with ones self.

But real life is only one kind of life—there is also the life of the imagination.

In the nature of things, a person engaged in the flimsy business of expressing himself on paper is dependent on the large general privilege of being heard. Any intimation that this privilege may be revoked throws a writer into panic.

The main thing I try to do is write as clearly as I can. Because I have the greatest respect for the reader, and if he's going to the trouble of reading what I've written -- I'm a slow reader myself and I guess most people are -- why, the least I can do is make it as easy as possible for him to find out what I'm trying to say, trying to get at. I rewrite a good deal to make it clear.

Writing is an act of faith, not a trick of grammar.

I would really rather feel bad in Maine than feel good anywhere else

Oh, I never look under the hood.