If there were no such creatures as minstrel-maidens, it would be necessary to invent them.

A man is like a rope: both break at a definite strain....The solution is not splicing the rope; it's lessening the tension.

I categorically declare first my absolute innocence, second my lack of criminal intent, and third my effusive apologies.

What is an evil man? The man is evil who coerces obedience to his private ends, destroys beauty, produces pain, extinguishes life.

In fact, almost every job you get somebody watching you.

I got done writing Ports of Call and suddenly realized I have far too much material for the book.

I worked for half a cent a word. I'm not a fast writer to begin with, so for the first few years I had do other things.