There are dozens of young poets and fictioneers most of them a little insane in the tradition of James Joyce, who, however insane they may be, have refused to be genteel and traditional and dull.

She did her work with the thoroughness of a mind which reveres details and never quite understands them.

The game (baseball)was a custom of his clan, and it gave outlet for the homicidal and sides-taking instincts which Babbitt called "patriotism" and "love of sport."

Writing is just work-there's no secret. If you dictate or use a pen or type or write with your toes-it's still just work.

It is one of the major tragedies that nothing is more discomforting than the hearty affection of the Old Friends who never were friends.

There was much conversation, most of which sounded like the rest of it.

When audiences come to see us authors lecture, it is largely in the hope that we'll be funnier to look at than to read.