If Francoise Sagan hadn't written a book called A Chateau in Sweden, I would certainly write a short story called A Chateau in Puerto Rico. And I may yet.

Never demean yourself by talking back to a critic, never. Write those letters to the editor in your head, but don't put them on paper.

I don't want to own anything until I find a place where me and things go together.

Writing in the first person automatically gives you a point of view.

Sicily is more beautiful than any woman.

It should take you about four seconds to walk from here to the door. I'll give you two.

There is really no practical help that one can offer: it is a matter of self-discovery, of one's own conviction, or working with one's own work; your style is what seems natural to you. It is a long process of discovery, one that never ends. I am working at it, and will be as long as I live.