Fiction, because it is not about somebody who actually lived in the real world, always has the possibility of being about oneself.

Even the most introverted person alive is constantly hungry for human association

You who speak languages, you are such liars.

This is the Speaker for the Dead? Judging someone by appearances?" "Maybe I've fallen in love with Grego." "You've always been a sucker for people who pee on you.

Short stories are designed to deliver their impact in as few pages as possible. A tremendous amount is left out, and a good short story writer learns to include only the most essential information.

Thanks from keeping me from being a liar," said Nikolai. "What?" "About your having diarrhea." "For you I'd get dysentery." "Now that's friendship.

It's easy to manipulate your children when they're absolutely sure you're stupid.