The real problem with being around James was that he was always the hero. And what did that make you? Either the sidekick or the villain.

A novel with a bad middle is a bad book. A bad ending is something I've just gotten in the habit of forgiving.

I'm happy to report that 'The New Press' is still in business to this day. But not thanks to me. I was a really bad publishing intern.

Being a hero, the man had observed, is largely a matter of knowing one’s cues.

Wasn't there a spell for making yourself happy? Somebody must have invented one. How could he have missed it? Why didn't they teach it? Was it in the library, a flying book fluttering just out of reach, beating its wings against some high window?

People - me included - want to get excited about books. Good books are a good thing.

Read everything. If you haven't read everything, you'll never be able to write anything.