“I have no idea why I write. The old standards are: I like to express my feelings, stretch my imagination, earn money.”

“You know a guy a longtime, and I mean really know him, you don't get used to the idea that he's dead just overnight.”

“Asleep, he looked a lot younger than going-on-seventeen, but I had noticed that Johnny looked younger when he was asleep too, so I figured everyone did. Maybe people are younger when they are asleep.”

“Anything you read can influence your work, so I try to read good stuff.”

“let's do it for Johnny”

“I really do like listening to stuff that's happened to other people. I guess that's why I like to read.”

“When I stepped out into the bright sunlight from the dark movie house, I had only two things on my mind: Paul Newman, and a ride home. I was wishing I looked like Paul Newman - he looks tough and I don't - but I guess my own looks aren't so bad.”