“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 think it's easy to mistake understanding for empathy - we want empathy so badly. Maybe learning to make that distinction is part of growing up. It's hard and ugly to know somebody can understand you without even liking you.”

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

“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.”

“I'm going to cut you loose. With all due respect, Doctor, if you fuck with me I'll shoot you dead, here and now. Do you understand that?"- Clarice"Perfectly."- Hannibal Lecter "Do right and you'll live through this." -Clarice”

“Ready when you are Sergeant Pempbry.”