Many writers who choose to be active in the world lose not virtue but time, and that stillness without which literature cannot be made.
World events are the work of individuals whose motives are often frivolous, even casual.
These are two opposing forces, and whenever I am in active politics, I stop writing. And when I'm writing, I don't politick.
The American vice is explanation.
I was born a writer. When that happens, you have no choice in the matter.
I have never been particularly impressed by the self centered musings of my fellow writers.