Before I began The Cider House Rules, I thought I wanted to write about a father-son relationship that was closer, more conflicted, and ultimately more loving, than most. Then I began to think of a relationship between an old orphanage director and an unadoptable orphan - a kid who goes out into the world and fails and keeps coming back, so that the old guy ends up with someone he's got to keep.
John IrvingHe was one of those people things came easily to, but he did little to demonstrate that he deserved to be gifted.
John IrvingYou don't have to be in the habit of going to church to listen to such a literary minister; you don't have to be a believer to be moved by Mr. Buechner's faith.
John IrvingI write very quickly; I rewrite very slowly. It takes me nearly as long to rewrite a book as it does to get the first draft.
John IrvingIf you asked me one day, I might say, "Well, sometimes I feel a little bit religious." If you asked me another day, I'd just say flat out, "No."
John Irving