In order to be a great writer a person must have a built-in, shockproof crap detector.

Good writing is good conversation, only more so.

Take a good rest, small bird," he said. "Then go in and take your chance like any man or bird or fish.

You belong to me and all Paris belongs to me and I belong to this notebook and this pencil.

The story was writing itself and I was having a hard time keeping up with it.

Listen now. When people talk listen completely. Don't be thinking what you're going to say. Most people never listen. Nor do they observe.

A good life is not measured by any biblical span.