There's no rule I want to break or ever wanted to break - I find the conventional life gratifying - as long as I can sit at my typewriter, alone, for half a day.

I have a skepticism toward romance. I believe that decency and companionship are, in the long run, more important in life.

I think the computer is a hindrance to good writing because it is so tempting to leave what you've written. If you use a typewriter, you must retype if you make a mistake, and thus, you must re-examine every word.

I wanted to publish a book simply to be buried with it; that's all I wanted. I had no ambition beyond that.

I always loved to read, and I wanted to be part of the project of literature. My physical longevity is due to luck, and my literary longevity is due to my physical longevity.

I was quite satisfied with my creative life. I've always had reinforcement from a small but devoted readership.