Having watched herself in the speckled mirror ... she was already shocked beyond surprise at what the flat hand of age could do.

When I'm working on a serious and solid book ... I read about a detective novel a day. It's the best legal dope in the world. It makes you feel good until the next morning you can work again.

Having watched herself in the speckled mirror ... she was already shocked beyond surprise at what the flat hand of age could do.

the first time you are reconciled to the terrible unfairness of disappointment, you are getting old.

Anyone who has a choice and doesn't choose to write is a fool. The work is hard, the perks are few, the pay is terrible, and the product, when it's finally finished, is pure joy.

[The inspiration that comes to authors of fiction] is not an act of intelligence.

Somerset Maugham said that it took at least six human beings to make one fictional character. That is true of landscape as well, I think. We have to make our landscapes, change streets, create new turnings, rebuild or tear down, change time, and even nature, if need be.