Cowardice, as distinguished from panic, is almost always simply a lack of ability to suspend the functioning of the imagination.

Worry destroys the ability to write. Ill health is bad in the ratio that it produces worry which attacks your subconscious and destroys your reserves.

You are killing me, fish, the old man thought. But you have a right to. Never have I seen a greater, or more beautiful, or a calmer or more noble thing than you, brother.

Real seriousness in regard to writing being one of the two absolute necessities. The other, unfortunately, is talent.

Anyone who says he wants to be a writer and isn't writing, doesn't.

I still need more healthy rest in order to work at my best. My health is the main capital I have and I want to administer it intelligently.

Until you're grown-up they send you to reform school. After you're grown-up they send you to the penitentiary.