Never open a book with weather. There are exceptions. If you happen to be Barry Lopez, who has more ways to describe ice and snow than an Eskimo, you can do all the weather reporting you want.

Keep your exclamation points under control. You are allowed no more than two or three per 100,000 words of prose.

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.

My purpose is to entertain and please myself. I feel that if I am entertained, then there will be enough other readers who will be entertained, too.

I don't get in a position to be frightened. I don't do anything dangerous, and I always pay my bills.

I get letters. I get several a week, I think. A lot of people want a picture, a lot of people just want an autograph.

Never use a verb other than ‘said’ to carry dialogue.