I write because I like to write. I find joy in the texture and tone and rhythm of words. It is a satisfaction like that which follows good and shared love.

... you must not expect to find that people understand what they do.

George's voice became deeper. He repeated his words rhythmically as though he had said them many times before. 'Guys like us, that work on ranches, are the loneliest guys in the world. They got no family. They don't belong no place. They come to a ranch an' work up a stake, and the first thing you know they're poundin' their tail on some other ranch. They ain't got nothing to look ahead to.

Like most modern people, I don't believe in prophecy or magic and then spend half my time practicing it.

We gather our arms full of guilt as though it were precious stuff. It must be that we want it that way.

In writing, habit seems to be a much stronger force than either willpower or inspiration.

No one who is young is ever going to be old.