A soup like this is not the work of one man. It is the result of a constantly refined tradition. There are nearly a thousand years of history in this soup.

Claude Wheeler opened his eyes before the sun was up and vigorously shook his younger brother, who lay in the other half of the same bed.

I don't want anyone reading my writing to think about style. I just want them to be in the story.

Money is a protection, a cloak; it can buy one quiet, and some sort of dignity.

A work-room should be like an old shoe; no matter how shabby, it's better than a new one.

An artist's saddest secrets are those that have to do with his artistry.

There are some things you learn best in calm, and some in storm.