Before we take to the sea, we walk on land. . . Before we create, we must understand. . .

We need more true mystery in our lives Hem- he said. The completely unambitious writer and the really good unpublished poem are the things we lack most. There is of course the problem of sustenance

You write a book like that you're fond of over the years, then you see that happen to it, it's like pissing in your father's beer.

Enjoying living was learning to get your money's worth and knowing when you had it.

Any man's life, told truly, is a novel.

we would be together and have our books and at night be warm in bed together with the windows open and the stars bright.

Read anything I write for the pleasure of reading it. Whatever else you find will be the measure of what you brought to the reading.