I haven't stuck to any formula. Most great writers stick to the same style, but I wanted to be more various.

Quote by Irwin Shaw

Topics: Irwin Shaw Quotes

People who light up like Roman candles come down in the dark very quickly.

People who light up like Roman candles come down in the dark very quickly.

I don't think that the writer is regarded as a freak by Americans.

I don't think that the writer is regarded as a freak by Americans.

I never drink while I'm working, but after a few glasses I get ideas that...

I never drink while I'm working, but after a few glasses I get ideas that...

No writer need feel sorry for himself if he writes and enjoys it, even if...

No writer need feel sorry for himself if he writes and enjoys it, even if...

My views naturally have mellowed. Most of the critics have been more or less nice...

My views naturally have mellowed. Most of the critics have been more or less nice...

A writer is a human being. He has to live with a sense of honor.

A writer is a human being. He has to live with a sense of honor.

The last paragraph, in which you tell what the story is about, is almost always...

The last paragraph, in which you tell what the story is about, is almost always...

An absolutely necessary part of a writer's equipment, almost as necessary as talent, is the...

An absolutely necessary part of a writer's equipment, almost as necessary as talent, is the...

The great writers just kept bringing them out. They didn't care if they repeated themselves.

The great writers just kept bringing them out. They didn't care if they repeated themselves.

In Europe, a writer is supposed to improve up until he's about 75.

In Europe, a writer is supposed to improve up until he's about 75.

The romantic idea is that everybody around a writer must suffer for his talent. I...

The romantic idea is that everybody around a writer must suffer for his talent. I...

Kennedy was a man who liked writers and even I got invited to the White...

Kennedy was a man who liked writers and even I got invited to the White...

Writing is finally play, and there's no reason why you should get paid for playing.

Writing is finally play, and there's no reason why you should get paid for playing.

I am forced to say that I have many fiercer critics than myself.

I am forced to say that I have many fiercer critics than myself.

Writing for the theater, you find yourself living a nocturnal life.

Writing for the theater, you find yourself living a nocturnal life.

My attitudes have changed, but somebody would have to read all my books to find...

My attitudes have changed, but somebody would have to read all my books to find...

Writing is like a contact sport, like football. You can get hurt, but you enjoy...

Writing is like a contact sport, like football. You can get hurt, but you enjoy...

I reach my readers regardless of what the critics have written.

I reach my readers regardless of what the critics have written.

Curiously, the United States is full of writers who have one big work in their...

Curiously, the United States is full of writers who have one big work in their...

You must avoid giving hostages to fortune, like getting an expensive wife, an expensive house,...

You must avoid giving hostages to fortune, like getting an expensive wife, an expensive house,...