Since each story presents its own technical problems, obviously one can't generalize about them on a two-times-two-equals-four basis. Finding the right form for your story is simply to realize the most natural way of telling the story. The test of whether or not a writer has defined the natural shape of his story is just this: After reading it, can you imagine it differently, or does it silence your imagination and seem to you absolute and final? As an orange is final. As an orange is something nature has made just right.

It's worth your life to order an omelette in most restaurants. You never know what you're going to get.

The most dangerous thing in the world is to make a friend of an Englishman, because he'll come sleep in your closet rather than spend 10 shillings on a hotel.

Talent is a valued tormentor.

I thought that Mr. Clutter was a very nice gentleman. I thought so right up to the moment that I cut his throat.

Venice is like eating an entire box of chocolate liqueurs in one go.

Have you never heard what the wise men say: all of the future exists in the past.