You learn by writing short stories. Keep writing short stories. The money's in novels, but writing short stories keeps your writing lean and pointed.

The Unexpected always comes at the most awkward times.

Intelligence is just a tool to be used toward a goal, and goals are not always chosen intelligently.

I've got five or six unpublished stories kicking around looking for somebody to buy them.

We should not have assumed that a political space station could be built.

The reader has certain rights. He bought your story. Think of this as an implicit contract. He's entitled to be entertained, instructed, amused; maybe all three. If he quits in the middle, or puts the book down feeling his time has been wasted, you're in violation.

Never be embarrassed or ashamed by anything you choose to write.