There is no excuse for anyone to write fiction for public consumption unless he has been called to do so by the presence of a gift. It is the nature of fiction not to be good for much unless it is good in itself.

Dogma can in no way limit a limitless God.

People without hope not only don't write novels, but what is more to the point, they don't read them.

I never understand how writers can succumb to vanity - what you work the hardest on is usually the worst.

I feel that discussing story-writing in terms of plot, character, and theme is like trying to describe the expression on a face by saying where the eyes, nose, and mouth are.

A working knowledge of the devil can be very well had from resisting him.

I am very handy with my advice and then when anybody appears to be following it, I get frantic.