“Writing novels is the hardest thing I've ever done, including digging irrigation ditches.”

“You must understand that when you are writing a novel you are not making anything up.”

“When you are writing a novel, you aren't making it up. The story is already there. You just have to find it.”

“I'm doing one of three things: I'm writing. I'm staring out the window. Or I'm writhing on the floor.”

“Did you ever think, Clarice, why the Philistines don't understand you? It's because you are the answer to Samson's riddle. You are the honey in the lion.”

“Being smart spoils a lot of things, doesn't it?”

“And your dinner for the orchestra officials.""Haven't you ever had people coming over and no time to shop? You have to make do with what's in the fridge, Clarice. May I call you Clarice?”