Writers remember everything...especially the hurts. Strip a writer to the buff, point to the scars, and he'll tell you the story of each small one. From the big ones you get novels. A little talent is a nice thing to have if you want to be a writer, but the only real requirement is the ability to remember the story of every scar. Art consists of the persistence of memory.

Fighting for peace, is like f***ing for chastity

Good writing is often about letting go of fear and affectation. Affectation itself, beginning with the need to define some sorts of writing as 'good' and other sorts as 'bad' is fearful behavior.

Let's face it. No kid in high school feels as though they fit in.

Don't give me what I ask for, give me what I need.

They're animals, all right. But why are you so goddam sure that makes us human beings?

Everything in moderation. And that includes a couple of beers a day.