A writer's working hours are his waking hours. He is working as long as he is conscious and frequently when he isn't.

To be alive is a fine thing. It is the finest thing in the world, though hazardous. It is a unique thing. It happens only once in a lifetime. To be alive, to know consciously that you are alive, and to relish that knowledge -- this is a kind of magic. Or it may be a kind of madness, exhilarating but harmless.

here in Texas maybe we've got into the habit of confusing bigness with greatness.

Spring ... made fair false promises which summer was called upon to keep.

It's difficult to write a really good short story because it must be a complete and finished reflection of life with only a few words to use as tools. There isn't time for bad writing in a short story.

I am not belittling the brave pioneer men but the sunbonnet as well as the sombrero has helped to settle this glorious land of ours.

If men ever discovered how tough women actually are, they would be scared to death.