Like a lot of what happens in novels, inspiration is a sort of spontaneous combustion--the oily rags of the head and heart. Votes: 10
But it's hard to talk about art. Maybe there should be a law against it, some First Amendment gag order like crying fire in a crowded theater. Votes: 6
It's fine, precise, detailed work, the infinitely small motor management of diamond cutters and safecrackers that we do in our heads. Votes: 5
Like most people of my generation, I fell in love with the philosophy of existentialism. There is no particular religious tradition in my work. There is only one psychological assertion that I would insist upon. That is: the SELF takes precedence. Votes: 5
Writing is an exercise in sculpture, chipping away at the rock until you find the nose. Votes: 3
I would never write about anyone who is not at the end of his rope. Votes: 3
The furthest out is the only place to be. Votes: 3
The peculiar dignity of men seen eating alone in restaurants on national holidays Votes: 2
I don't believe less is more. I believe that more is more. I believe that less is less, fat fat, thin thin and enough is enough. Votes: 2
Life's tallest order is to keep the feelings up, to make two dollars' worth of euphoria go the distance. And life can't do that. So fiction does. Votes: 0