To put it rather bluntly, I am not the type who wants to go back to the land; I am the type who wants to go back to the hotel.

I have a hard time writing. Most writers have a hard time writing. I have a harder time than most because I'm lazier than most. [...] The other problem I have is fear of writing. The act of writing puts you in confrontation with yourself, which is why I think writers assiduously avoid writing. [...] Not writing is more of a psychological problem than a writing problem. All the time I'm not writing I feel like a criminal. [...] It's horrible to feel felonious every second of the day. Especially when it goes on for years. It's much more relaxing actually to work.

There are certain relationships I think I'm great at: I'm the world's greatest daughter. I'm a great relative. I believe I'm a great friend.

There are some short essays that are very grave, and most contemporary novels are lighter than air.

New York was always more expensive than the other places, even when it was going bankrupt. In other words, in 1971, New York was expensive for someone with no money. For anyone.

The telephone is a good way to talk to people without having to offer them a drink.

Magazines all too frequently lead to books and should be regarded by the prudent as the heavy petting of literature.