But I think the spirit of man is a good adversary

Is a lifetime long enough to hold the regret that I have for that fantastically aborted but crazily sweet love affair?

Not facing a fire doesn't put it out.

The helpless can't help the helpless.

I don't believe in "original sin." I don't believe in "guilt." I don't believe in villains or heroes - only right or wrong ways that individuals have taken, not by choice but by necessity or by certain still-uncomprehended influences in themselves, their circumstances, and their antecedents. This is so simple I'm ashamed to say it, but I'm sure it's true. In fact, I would bet my life on it! And that's why I don't understand why our propaganda machines are always trying to teach us, to persuade us, to hate and fear other people on the same little world that we live in.

I cannot write any sort of story unless there is at least one character in it for whom I have physical desire.

The strongest influences in my life and my work are always whomever I love. Whomever I love and am with most of the time, or whomever I remember most vividly. I think that's true of everyone, don't you?