“Without conflict there is no plot, without hope there is no story”

“I always write a draft version of the novel in which I try to develop, not the story, not the plot, but the possibilities of the plot. I write without thinking much, trying to overcome all kinds of self-criticism, without stopping, without giving any consideration to the style or structure of the novel, only putting down on paper everything that can be used as raw material, very crude material for later development in the story.”

“You have to have a plot too, you know? Because without it, your life is less of a story and more of an empty paper.”

“Not only is a book without conflict something no one wants to read, but a life without conflict is something where nothing is gained, nothing is earned, nothing is won.”

“Conflict cannot survive without your participation”

“An epic without a focus - without a single action, a coherent plot, a single terrible point to make - was just a very long poem.”