When I read students’ attempts at creative writing it is obvious immediately that most of them have not read much or widely. The aspiring writer must read everything he or she can to appreciate the myriad ways words are used and to what effect.

If I canot know your name, may I light a lamp so I can see your face?' If you sould ever see my face, you will lose me forever.' Why?' Psyche wanted to know. 'Are you ugly? Are you afraid I won't love you if I see your face?' Perhaps I am afraid that if you see my face, it will be THAT that you will love and not me.' I understand, believe me. I know what that feels like.

Goodness was not a trait you acquired; it was a value you practiced when you were on the verge of doing evil.

Books, and especially fiction, do not proceed from ideas. They are born from feelings

The failure of modern living is the failure of the imagination...Literature is the royal road that enables us to enter the realm of the imagination.

Being a failure at living your own life as best as you can is better than being a success living the life somebody else says you should live.

Often, the human animal dresses terror in rage, and expresses both in a way unlike either.