When ideas come, I write them; when they don't come, I don't.

Gough never pretended to perfection or to sainthood - well, hardly ever. Although when he set off the metal detector at airport security, he would blame his aura.

If happy I can be I will, if suffer I must I can.

Don't be 'a writer'. Be writing.

So the only environment the artist needs is whatever peace, whatever solitude, and whatever pleasure he can get at not too high a cost. All the wrong environment will do is run his blood pressure up; he will spend more time being frustrated or outraged. My own experience has been that the tools I need for my trade are paper, tobacco, food, and a little whiskey.

Pouring out liquor is like burning books.

We have all heard what we wanted to hear! Truth that sounds right to our ears!