Why did the wise guys always accuse other people of being wise guys?

You have to accept the critical reviews if they treat you with respect. Actually, it's one person's opinion. So, it's a concern but not an overriding one, and I don't stay up nights worrying about reviews. But there are certain people I respect who I hope will like a book.

Do I dare disturb the universe? Yes, I do, I do. I think. Jerry suddenly understood the poster--the solitary man on the beach standing upright and alone and unafraid, poised at the moment of making himself heard and known in the world, the universe.

People always ask me about the role models that I'm providing for kids, and I say I can't be concerned with that. I'm not worrying about corrupting youth. I'm worrying about writing realistically and truthfully to affect the reader.

That's what Archie did - built a house nobody could anticipate a need for, except himself, a house that was invisible to everyone else.

You bring up your children to be self-reliant and independent and they double-cross you and become self-reliant and independent.

I had my bully, and it was excruciating. Not only the bully, but the intimidation I felt.