Some cities, like wrapped boxes under Christmas trees, conceal unexpected gifts, secret delights. Some cities will always remain wrapped boxes, containers of riddles never to be solved, nor even to be seen by vacationing visitors, or, for that matter, the most inquisitive, persistent travelers.

To me, the greatest pleasure of writing is not what it's about, but the inner music that words make.

The quietness of his tone italicized the malice of his reply.

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

I also write the last paragraph or page of a story first. That way I always know what I'm working towards.

I think my greatest talent really is for friendship.

It's redundant to die in Los Angeles.