Caution always, but when a man acts he should act suddenly and with decision.

A ship does not sail with yesterday's wind.

If you write a book set in the past about something that happened east of the Mississippi, it's a 'historical novel.' If you write about something that took place west of the Mississippi, it's a 'Western'- and somehow regarded as a lesser work. I write historical novels about the frontier.

Out here you better have a gun, and a gun in the wagon ain't good for nothin'. I believe what the old Quaker said, 'Trust in the Lord, but keep your powder dry.

It is better to have no emotion when it is work. Do what needs to be done, and do it coolly.

When feeding time comes around, there is nothing a hawk likes better than a nice, fat, peaceful dove.

One never realizes how much and how little he knows until he starts talking.