A writer strives to express a universal truth in the way that rings the most bells in the shortest amount of time.

The best job that was ever offered to me was to become a landlord in a brothel. In my opinion it's the perfect milieu for an artist to work in.

She forced herself once more to think of nothing, to keep her consciousness immersed, as a little dog that one keeps under water until he has stopped struggling

Well, Bud," he said, looking at me, "I'll be damned if you don't go to a lot of trouble to have your fun. Kidnapping, then fighting. What do you do on your holidays? Burn houses?

Ever since then I have believed that God is not only a gentleman and a sport; he is a Kentuckian too.

Dear God, let me be damned a little longer, a little while.

Tomorrow night is nothing but one long sleepless wrestle with yesterday's omissions and regrets.