Most writers write books that they wouldn't read. I ought to know; I've done it myself.

I look into my own black heart.

A talent for drama is not a talent for writing, but is ability to articulate human relationships.

The last best hope of earth, two trillion dollars in debt, is spinning out of control, and all we can do is stare at a flickering cathode-ray tube as Ollie answers questions on TV while the press, resolutely irrelevant as ever, asks politicians if they have committed adultery. From V-J Day 1945 to this has been, my fellow countrymen, a perfect nightmare.

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

Before the word gay had really been invented, was there's no such thing. Only a country, basically as mindless about these matters - based upon our peasant superstitions, religious superstitions - would they make categories. Everybody's everything.

He's a full-fledged housewife from Kansas with all the prejudices.