When you feel strain, keep your mouth shut if you can.

It rubs the lotion on its skin. It does this whenever it is told.

I found, and find, the scrutiny of Dr. Lecter uncomfortable, intrusive, like the humming of your thoughts when they x-ray your head.

A census taker tried to quantify me once. I ate his liver with some fava beans and a big Amarone. Go back to school, little Starling.

God's creatures who cried themselves to sleep stirred to cry again.

Writing novels is the hardest thing I've ever done, including digging irrigation ditches.

I am the dragon, and you call me insane.