a soldier lives always for the next battle, because he knows that before it arrives impossible changes can occur in his favor.

Russia, France, Germany and China. They revere their writers. America is still a frontier country that almost shudders at the idea of creative expression.

Although most of us know Vincent van Gogh in Arles and Paul Gauguin in Tahiti as if they were neighbors -- somewhat disreputable but endlessly fascinating -- none of us can name two French generals or department store owners of that period. I take enormous pride in considering myself an artist, one of the necessaries.

It is difficult to be king when the gods are changing.

Creative geniuses are a slap-happy lot. Treat Them with respect.

You write that first draft really to see how it's going to come out.

I do believe that everyone growing up faces differential opportunities. With me, it was books and travel and some good teachers.