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

A man can be in two different places and he will be two different men. Maybe if you think of more places he will be more men, but two is enough for now.

A pen connects you to the paper. It definitely matters.

I left advertising as fast as I could in 1961. And I haven't ever thought about going back.

It doesn't have to make sense, it just has to sound like it does.

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 focus on characters as individuals with attitudes and write each scene from a particular character's point of view. That way, even narrative passages take on the character's sound. I don't want the reader to be aware of me, writing.