Retirement wasn't a reward at the end of a well-run career ... it was a void surrounded by endless dull hours, haunted by memories of work.

The doll, Dallas. You know, Barbie doll. Jeez, didn't you ever have dollies?" "Dolls are like small dead people. I have enough dead people, thanks.

Holding onto something that's gone only makes a sickness inside.

I'd rather be screwed up with you than smooth with anybody else.

Every single book is a challenge.

You love tests?" "Well, yeah. There are questions and answers. True or false, multiple choice, essay. What's not to love?

I write every day. Even if I'm not writing well, I write through it. I can fix a bad page. I can't fix a blank one.