Shakespeare tells the same stories over and over in so many guises that it takes a long time before you notice.

Writing is like the relationship with your bowels. First you can, then you can't. Finally, you must. Only then should you reach for the paper.

A teacher is a person who never says anything once.

When modern writers gave up telling stories, they gave up the greatest thing we had.

Nothing in the universe can travel at the speed of light, they say, forgetful of the shadow's speed.

I do insist on making what I hope is sense so there's always a coherent narrative or argument that the reader can follow.

Occasionally a student writer comes up with something really beautiful and moving, and you won't know for years if it was an accident or the first burst of something wonderful.