Courage is inseparable from love and leads to what may arguably be the noblest of all warrior virtues: selflessness.

I wrote in the War of Art that I could divide my life neatly into two parts: before turning pro and after. After is better.

There is an enemy. There is an intelligent, active, malign force working against us. Step one is to recognize this. This recognition alone is enormously powerful. It saved my life, and it will save yours.

These scars on my body,” Alexander declared, “were got for you, my brothers. Every wound, as you see, is in the front. Let that man stand forth from your ranks who has bled more than I, or endured more than I for your sake. Show him to me, and I will yield to your weariness and go home.” Not a man came forward. Instead, a great cheer arose from the army. The men begged their king to forgive them for their want of spirit and pleaded with him only to lead them forward.

Resistance is greatest just before the finish line.

A writer writes with his genius; an artist paints with hers; everyone who creates operates from this sacramental center.

When a novelist or screenwriter is looking for a subject, the element he's seeking is conflict. Conflict makes drama. Conflict produces great characters and memorable scenes. So war is a natural topic.