The whole magic of a plot requires that somebody be impeded from getting something over with.

I love the laconic. Clearly, I am not of their number.

My dislike has no consequences. It accrues only in my mind—like preserves on a shelf or guns zeroing in, and never firing.

I took a little celebrational nap.

There are so many different types of writers. It's just sheer coincidence that they're all called writers.

A favorite strategy was the paragraph-terminating: Right? Followed immediately by Wrong. This linear invitation to a mugging was considered a strategy of wit.

Fear . . . is forward. No one is afraid of yesterday.