It is wrong to be harsh with the New York critics, unless one admits in the same breath that it is a condition of their existence that they should write entertainingly about something which is rarely worth writing about at all.

The most durable thing in writing is style, and style is the single most valuable investment a writer can make with his time.

At least half the mystery novels published violate the law that the solution, once revealed, must seem to be inevitable.

Throw up into your typewriter every morning. Clean up every noon.

Most critical writing is drivel and half of it is dishonest. It is a short cut to oblivion, anyway. Thinking in terms of ideas destroys the power to think in terms of emotions and sensations.

I was as hollow and empty as the spaces between stars.

As it is she will probably turn out to be one of these acid-faced virgins that sit behind little desks in public libraries and stamp dates in books.