I nearly always write — just as I nearly always breathe.

The candle aimed its spark of light at heaven, like an artist who consumes himself to become divine.

They must be real people. And this means that every word in every line of speech must be accurate and full of some kind of meaning which stretches not only forward in the book but stems from before in the book.

The study of history, while it does not endow with prophecy, may indicate lines of probability.

For it is said that humans are never satisfied, that you give them one thing and they want something more. And this is said in disparagement, whereas it is one of the greatest talents the species has and one that has made it superior to animals that are satisfied with what they have.

A writer lives in awe of words, for they can be cruel or kind, and they can change their meanings right in front of you. They pick up flavors and odors like butter in a refrigerator.

He drank too much when he could get it, ate too much when it was there, talked too much all the time.