[My novel] took up the sweetest part of my mind and the rarest part of my imagination; it was like being in love and better. All day long when I was busy [...], I had my unfinished novel personified almost as a secret companion and accomplice following me like a shadow wherever I went, whatever I did.

Goodness, Truth and Beauty come first

I have a great desire to make people smile - not laugh. Laughter is too aggressive. People bare their teeth.

Interviews can be stimulating. It depends on the intelligence of the interviewer.

Beware of men bearing flowers.

Beware the ire of the calm.

If you want to concentrate deeply on some problem, and especially some piece of writing or paper-work, you should acquire a cat. Alone with the cat in the room where you work ... the cat will invariably get up on your desk and settle placidly under the desk lamp ... The cat will settle down and be serene, with a serenity that passes all understanding.