“...If I ever got sloppy and maudlin, it would be for the streets of my childhood—but no self- respecting writer should ever eulogize a slum...”

“...writers, like priests, should have compassion...and a sensitivity to pain...”

“...if you've got writer's block, you aren't empty - maybe it's just like Twitter - overwhelmed, and loading seems to be taking a while...”

“...I hardly ever see your profile, but have I told you it's beautiful? - like the soft gentle lines of snow...”

“...Why did just my eyes adore you - Have you ever wondered that? well, as Hegel said, “Too fair to worship, too divine to love.”...”

“...nobody ever takes from the desert anything but aridity and monsters...”

“...I don't want security - to be self-assured - I want to risk my heart in making your portrait and be paid the wages of your devotion...”