Much of the conversation in the country consisted of lines from television shows, both past and present.

I would not be interested in writing if I didn't feel that what I wrote was an act of good citizenship or an attempt, at any rate, to be a good citizen.

Shortridge High School was an elitist high school. In a way it was a scandal because you could go there no matter where you lived, if you could get there. It was for over-achievers. It was for people who were going to college. So we were very special and we were hated for being ritzy.

When I used to teach creative writing, I would tell the students to make their characters want something right away - even if it's only a glass of water. Characters paralyzed by the meaninglessness of modern life still have to drink water from time to time.

If I wrote something that hadn't really happened, and I tried to sell it, I could go to jail. That's fraud!

The arts are not a way to make a living.

The most heartbreakingly beautiful girl I ever hope to see