If it sounds like writing, I rewrite it. Or, if proper usage gets in the way, it may have to go. I can't allow what we learned in English composition to disrupt the sound and rhythm of the narrative.

I don't want the reader to be aware of me as the writer.

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

If it sounds like writing, I rewrite it. Or, if proper usage gets in the way, it may have to go. I can't allow what we learned in English composition to disrupt the sound and rhythm of the narrative.

I still read Hemingway. I still read his short stories because they're so good. He doesn't waste any words.

If you take a few days to write an outline, you're just making up scenes that you think will work, that you think will be interesting. But as you write it, other ideas occur - better ideas that have to do with what you're writing.

The line of dialogue belongs to the character; the verb is the writer sticking his nose in.