My most important rule is one that sums up the 10: If it sounds like writing, I rewrite it.

My most important piece of advice to all you would-be writers: when you write, try to leave out all the parts readers skip.

All the information you need can be given in dialogue.

Not dreams but night changes, not destiny but path changes, always keep your hopes alive, luck may or may not change, but time definitely chages.

I used to be able to write five pages a day, every day, no problem. Now a good day is five or four pages, and that's from 9:30 A.M. until 6 P.M.

I don't believe in writer's block or waiting for inspiration. If you're a writer, you sit down and write.

Never use an adverb to modify the verb 'said' . . . he admonished gravely. To use an adverb this way (or almost any way) is a mortal sin. The writer is now exposing himself in earnest, using a word that distracts and can interrupt the rhythm of the exchange.