There are cities that get by on their good looks, offer climate and scenery, views of mountains or oceans, rockbound or with palm trees. And there are cities like Detroit that have to work for a living.

I don't have any of the modern stuff. I don't have e-mail. I don't have a computer!

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

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

Using adverbs is a mortal sin.

After 58 years you'd think writing would get easier. It doesn't. If you're lucky, you become harder to please. That's all right, it's still a pleasure.

I have fun writing. I don't make it a chore. I don't have to struggle with it.