Writers are not just people who sit down and write. They hazard themselves. Every time you compose a book your composition of yourself is at stake.

Things that appear on the front page of the newspaper as 'fact' are far more dangerous than the games played by a novelist, and can lead to wars.

A new reader shouldn't be able to find you in your work, though someone who's read more may begin to.

Planning to write is not writing. Outlining, researching, talking to people about what you're doing, none of that is writing. Writing is writing.

I am often asked the question How can the masses permit themselves to be exploited by the few. The answer is By being persuaded to identify with them.

A book begins as a private excitement of the mind.

Planning to write is not writing.