An artist must be a reactionary. He has to stand out against the tenor of the age and not go flopping along.

My father and I were never intimate in the sense of my coming to him with confidences or seeking advice. Our relationship was rather that of host and guest. Perhaps host and guest is really the happiest relation for father and son.

It is no longer possible to accept the benefits of civilization and at the same time deny the supernatural basis upon which it is based.

The tour bus was supposed to be here ten minutes ago. Would it be possible to give them a ring to check they've not forgotten us?

Don't give your opinions about Art and the Purpose of Life. They are of little interest and, anyway, you can't express them. Don't analyze yourself. Give the relevant facts and let your readers make their own judgments. Stick to your story. It is not the most important subject in history but it is one about which you are uniquely qualified to speak.

Not everyone grows to be old, but everyone has been younger than he is now.

Professional reviewers read so many bad books in the course of duty that they get an unhealthy craving for arresting phrases.