“Good writing is good conversation, only more so.”

“Good taste, tact, and propriety have more in common than men of letters affect to believe. Tact is good taste applied to bearing and conduct, and propriety is good taste applied to conversation.”

“A good local pub has much in common with a church, except that a pub is warmer, and there's more conversation.”

“Writing can only be as good as its subject matter.”

“Good nature is more agreeable in conversation than wit, and gives a certain air to the countenance which is more amiable than beauty.”

“Writing is the flip side of sex - it's only good when it's over.”

“Letter writing is the only device combining solitude with good company.”

“People do not deserve good writing, they are so pleased with bad.”

“There is only this swarm of dying creatures stricken with longevity, all the more hateful in that they are so good at organizing their agony.”

“Good writing is clear. Talented writing is energetic. Good writing avoids errors. Talented writing makes things happen in the reader's mind---vividly, forcefully…”