Writing is finally play, and there's no reason why you should get paid for playing.

I haven't stuck to any formula. Most great writers stick to the same style, but I wanted to be more various.

In a novel, it's hard to keep track of everybody.

I never show anything to anybody until I've finished it.

In Europe, a writer is supposed to improve up until he's about 75.

I don't think that the writer is regarded as a freak by Americans.

I'm not as hopeful as I was when I was young.

It's those damn critics again.

There are too many books I haven't read, too many places I haven't seen, too many memories I haven't kept long enough.

The modern world, he thought resentfully, prepares you very poorly for the tests it puts you to.