There is no rule on how to write. Sometimes it comes easily and perfectly; sometimes it's like drilling rock and then blasting it out with charges.

I like to listen. I have learned a great deal from listening carefully. Most people never listen.

When writing a novel a writer should create living people; people not characters. A character is a caricature.

The most essential gift for a good writer is a built-in$$$ shockproof$$$ shit detector.

Live the full life of the mind$$$ exhilarated by new ideas$$$ intoxicated by the Romance of the unusual.

Worry a little bit every day and in a lifetime you will lose a couple of years. If something is wrong$$$ fix it if you can. But train yourself not to worry: Worry never fixes anything.

Let him think that I am more man than I am and I will be so.

Never think that war$$$ no matter how necessary$$$ nor how justified$$$ is not a crime.

Every day is a new day. It is better to be lucky. But I would rather be exact. Then when luck comes you are ready.

It couldn't have happened anywhere but in little old New York.