“Everything's got a purpose, really - you just have to look for it.Cats are good at keeping old dogs alive.Loss helps you reach for gain.Death helps you celebrate life.War helps you work for peace.A flood makes you glad you're still standing.And a tall boy can stop the wind so a candle of hope can burn bright.”

“Excuse me, Mr Tall-and-Good-looking Wolfman, but can you help the English midget reach the sauce?’ I think not.”

“If you really want to be a writer, nobody can stop you -- and if you don't, nobody can help you.”

“If you really want to do something, no one can stop you. But if you really don’t want to do something, no one can help you”

“It's by understanding me, and the boys, and mother, that you have helped me. I expect that is the only way one person ever really can help another.”

“It's wonderful to look back at our old writing and cringe. It simply means we have grown and can write better now. And you found some parts you can be proud of, so when you throw the old writing on the floor and stomp on it, remember to celebrate those seeds of genius and be glad that you're still writing.”