The true artist plays mad with his soul, labors at the very lip of the volcano, but remembers and clings to his purpose, which is as strong as the dream. He is not someone possessed, like Cassandra, but a passionate, easily tempted explorer who fully intends to get home again, like Odysseus.
John GardnerOne must be just a little crazy to write a great novel. One must be capable of allowing the darkest, most ancient and shrewd parts of oneโs being to take over the work from time to time.
John GardnerThey watch on, evil, incredibly stupid, enjoying my destruction. 'Poor Grendel's had an accident,' I whisper. 'So may you all.
John GardnerThe citizen can bring our political and governmental institutions back to life, make them responsive and accountable, and keep them honest. No one else can.
John GardnerThe primary subject of fiction is and has always been human emotion, values, and beliefs.
John Gardner