There are times when I can find myself in a book, too, for two or three hours. But afterward I have such an urge to go out and reach for other people. Very often they're not around. There's also a metaphysical loneliness. We all feel it. The burden o...
Humor is so subjective, not everyone is going to get what you are peddling. Others will be offended when what you meant no offense whatsoever. Those are the stakes. You have to be able to stand up for yourself and what you’ve written. Comedy pushes...
Step back and scrutinize your work, to delve deep into the meaning behind the words, it will get both easier in some ways and harder in others. Either way, you need to practice everyday. You will probably get faster with time, because you learn to do...
We live today amid ritualized anithumanisms. Among those intelligent enough to feel despair, some seek salvation in the literary artist. Artists love flattery; and the scam doesn't work without mystifying the process. The weather is unpredictable, bu...
A public library is the most democratic thing in the world. What can be found there has undone dictators and tyrants: demagogues can persecute writers and tell them what to write as much as they like, but they cannot vanish what has been written in t...
If you think it’s offensive that I call alleged biblical miracles ridiculous, you should ask yourself whether or not it’s ridiculous to insist that Muhammad flew on a winged horse. Or that the earth was hatched from a cosmic egg? Or that Xenu, th...
The creative process is a love story that never ends. The ideas are like suitors competing for your attention. You may have relationships, with multiple ideas, at once. You may devote yourself completely to one idea, for a awhile, but the affairs wil...
You can accomplish almost anything when you’re trying to accomplish what you care about. Wear yourself out with focused, disciplined work on a purpose that connects with who you truly are. You have a unique voice and a unique drive that are longing...
Brick Pollitt: Don't make a fool of yourself, Maggie. Margaret "Maggie" Pollitt: I don't mind making a fool of myself over you. Brick Pollitt: Well, I mind. I feel embarrassed for you. Margaret "Maggie" Pollitt: Feel embarrassed? Well, I can't live o...
Nicky Santoro: You call yourself a man? You know you're a lyin', low-life, motherfuckin' gambling degenerate prick? You know that's what you are? Two small kids at home. I gave you money to pay the fuckin' rent and buy groceries, put the heat on. You...
John Milton: Don't get too cocky my boy. No matter how good you are don't ever let them see you coming. That's the gaffe my friend. You gotta keep yourself small. Innocuous. Be the little guy. You know, the nerd... the leper... shit-kickin' surfer. L...
Harry Callahan: Uh uh. I know what you're thinking. "Did he fire six shots or only five?" Well to tell you the truth in all this excitement I kinda lost track myself. But being this is a .44 Magnum, the most powerful handgun in the world and would bl...
Chief: Callahan? You willing to take the money to him? Harry Callahan: When will you people stop messing around with this guy? He's gotta be stopped now! The Mayor: He's got a busload of kids and I can't take that chance. I gave my word of honor on i...
Natascha: But this is a democracy, Harvey... Harvey Dent: When their enemies were at the gates, the Romans would suspend democracy and appoint one man to protect the city. It wasn't considered an honor, it was considered a public service. Rachel Dawe...
Frank Costello: [Answers cell phone] What? Colin Sullivan: Yeah, you got a tail. Two cars, not very subtle. They're not gonna be very subtle from now on. That's what I've been trying to tell you. Frank Costello: So get rid of 'em. Colin Sullivan: The...
[Ed is cross-dressed on the set of "Glen or Glenda"] Dolores Fuller: How can you just walk wound like that in front of all these people? Edward D. Wood, Jr.: Well hon, nobody's bothered but you. Look around. Dolores Fuller: Ed, this isn't the real wo...
Matt Buckner: I've never lived closer to danger, but I've never felt safer. I've never felt more confident, and people could spot it from a mile away. And as for this, the violence? I gotta be honest - it grew on me. Once you've taken a few punches a...
Melanie Hamilton: So, you've got my husband intoxicated again, Captain Butler. Well, bring him in! Tom - Yankee Captain: I'm sorry, Mrs. Wilkes. Your husband's under arrest. Melanie Hamilton: If you arrest all the men who get intoxicated in Atlanta, ...
Legolas: I can not go back. Thranduil: Where will you go? Legolas: I do not know. [pause] Thranduil: Go to the North. Meet with the Dunedain. There is a young Ranger among them. His father, Arathorn, was a good man. His son may grow to be a great one...
Thorin Oakenshield: You're afraid. Balin: Yes! Yes, I'm afraid! I fear for YOU, Thorin. A sickness lies on that treasure, a sickness that drove your grandfather mad! Thorin Oakenshield: I am not my grandfather. Balin: You are not yourself! The Thorin...
Molly Weasley: [looks at Fred, hoping to get him onto platform 9 3/4] Fred, you next. George Weasley: He's not Fred, I am! Fred Weasley: Honestly, woman. You call yourself our mother. Molly Weasley: [to Fred] Oh, I'm sorry, George. Fred Weasley: [app...
