The sense of a long last night over civilization is back again; it has perhaps not been here so intensely in thirty years, not since the Nazis were prospering, but it is coming back.
Norman MailerSimple narcissism gives the power of beasts to politicians, professional wrestlers and female movie stars.
Norman MailerI think it's bad to talk about one's present work, for it spoils something at the root of the creative act. It discharges the tension.
Norman MailerIt's very bad to write a novel by act of will. I can do a book of nonfiction work that way - just sign the contract and do the book because, provided the topic has some meaning for me, I know I can do it. But a novel is different. A novel is more like falling in love. You don't say, 'I'm going to fall in love next Tuesday, I'm going to begin my novel.' The novel has to come to you. It has to feel just like love.
Norman Mailer