Each piece of dialogue MUST be "something happening". . .The "amusing" for its OWN sake should above all be censored. . .The functional use of dialogue for the plot must be the first thing in the writer's mind. Where functional usefulness cannot be established, dialogue must be left out.

the process of reading is reciprocal; the book is no more than a formula, to be furnished out with images out of the reader's mind.

In 'real life' everything is diluted; in the novel everything is condensed.

whenever possible I avoid talking. Reprieve from talking is my idea of a holiday. At risk of seeming unsociable, which I am, I admit I love to be left in a beatific trance, when I am in one. Friendly Romans recognize that wish.

Where would the Irish be without someone to be Irish at?

Dialogue should convey a sense of spontaneity but eliminate the repetitiveness of real talk.

Illusions are art, for the feeling person, and it is by art that we live, if we do.