I don't think that the writer is regarded as a freak by Americans

I reach my readers regardless of what the critics have written

I am forced to say that I have many fiercer critics than myself.

I cringe when critics say I'm a master of the popular novel. What's an unpopular novel?

My views naturally have mellowed. Most of the critics have been more or less nice to me

My favorite short-story writer is John Cheever

An absolutely necessary part of a writer's equipment, almost as necessary as talent, is the ability to stand up under punishment, both the punishment the world hands out and the punishment he inflicts upon himself.