Rush, that most exciting perversion of life, the necessity of accomplishing something in less time than should be truly allowed for its doing.

That is what we are supposed to do when we are at our best - make it all up - but make it up so truly that later it will happen that way.

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.

I felt very lonely when they were all there.

Oh Jake," Brett said, "We could have had such a damned good time together." Ahead was a mounted policeman in khaki directing traffic. He raised his baton. The car slowed suddenly, pressing Brett against me. Yes," I said. "Isn't it pretty to think so?

You could omit anything if you knew that the omitted part would strengthen the short story and make people feel something more than they understood

Writing is a hard business...but nothing makes you feel better.