"The easiest thing to do on earth is not write."

"Being a screenwriter is not enough for a full creative life."

"We are men of action, lies do not become us."

"Life is pain, highness. Anyone who tells you differently is selling something."

"Yes, I am a failed playwright. I had three shows on Broadway by the time I was 30. They all flopped, and I fled."

"You can never trust what you read."

"As far as the filmmaking process is concerned, stars are essentially worthless - and absolutely essential."

"But this is life on earth, you can't have everything."

"One way an author dies a little each day is when his books go out of print."

"There is one crucial rule that must be followed in all creative meetings. Never speak first. At least at the start, your job is to shut up."

"Life isn't fair. It's just fairer than death, that's all."