I am a born novelist, which does not happen all that often. There are people who try to write for a certain time, then they become Ministers of Culture under de Gaulle, and they begin living their own fictions.

Do nothing that is not natural - and ritual is natural - and all will be for the best.

Can you imagine having a love affair going on and on decade after decade? Macabre.

There are two things you never turn down: sex and appearing on television.

The whole point to American journalism is what ought to be true is true. Since I ought to be arrogant, impressed with my social position, overwhelmed by my beauty, therefore I am.

One's neighbor is always the enemy. That is the nature of things.

I never reread a text until I have finished the first draft. Otherwise it's too discouraging.