“Quit dwelling on other people's stories and make up some of your own.”

“The strange thing is that what makes a wonderful story for some could be quite boring for others. It’s quite rare to find a story that everyone loves. But I think the best stories are those where the underdog somehow finds a way to succeed, hopefully with friends helping along the way.”

“Some stories, you use up. Others use you up.”

“Acting is a question of absorbing other people's personalities and adding some of your own experiences.”

“These stories get made up, and I don’t know from where. I have no idea. I didn’t make that one up — sometimes I make my own stories up — but I didn’t make that one up.”

“That's the magic of books. They're never quite the same for any two people. When you read one, you automatically make it your own.”

“It’s a small story really, about, among other things:

* A girl
* Some words
* An accordionist
* Some fanatical Germans
* A Jewish fist fighter
* And quite a lot of thievery”

“Some stories, Mr. Whitter would say, you tell them and you use them up. Other stories, they use you up. p288”

“Quietness is an essential part of all awareness. In quiet times and sleepy times, a child can dwell in thoughts of his own, and in songs and stories of his own.”

“Make sure that you are next year's big success story. Don't fall into the pit of people who have given up on making something of themselves, and make sure you make everything out of yourself. I'm getting too old for this. And when I retire someday, I'm going to want to sit down at a computer and play your games, read your stories, and watch your videos. Don't fall in with the people who have already given up on themselves. You are tomorrow's next big thing.”