This is a writer’s lesson: To learn that the sounds that we imagine can be the clearest, loudest sounds of all.

What a phrase that is: 'that explains everything!' I know better than to think anything 'explains everything' today.

What do Americans know about morality? They don't want their presidents to have penises but they don't mind if their presidents covertly arrange to support the Nicaraguan rebel forces after Congress has restricted such aid; they don't want their presidents to deceive their wives but they don't mind if their presidents deceive Congress- lie to the people and violate the people's constitution!

It is your responsibility to find fault with me, it is mine to hear you out. But don't expect me to change.

I'm not proselytizing my method. I don't believe that one writer should tell other writers how to write.

If I have any advantage, maybe, as a writer, it is that I don't think I'm very interesting. I mean, beginning a novel with the last sentence is a pretty plodding way to spend your life.

It's not right to hurt or deceive someone who's already been hurt and deceived.