It's very disheartening to encounter a fearful twenty-one year old. They haven't earned the right to be that afraid. It's not like we're living in war-torn Bosnia or something.

Everything in Japan is hidden. Real life has an unlisted phone number.

I'm not a nervous person. I'm not afraid to be on TV. I'm only afraid when I write. When I'm at my desk I feel like most people would feel if they went on TV.

Los Angeles is a large city-like area surrounding the Beverly Hills Hotel.

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

That I am totally devoid of sympathy for, or interest in, the world of groups is directly attributable to the fact that my two greatest needs and desires - smoking cigarettes and plotting revenge - are basically solitary pursuits.

[On not reading newspapers:] If something important happens, your mother calls you.