As a writer I have persisted in my uncertainty, alternating between novels which could charitably be considered literature and world reporting which… — James A. Michener Copy Share Image
The rules seem to be these: If you have written a successful novel, everyone invites you to write short stories. If you… — James A. Michener Copy Share Image
Only another writer, someone who had worked his heart out on a good book which sold three thousand copies, could appreciate the… — James A. Michener Copy Share Image
I do believe that everyone growing up faces differential opportunities. With me, it was books and travel and some good teachers. — James A. Michener Copy Share Image
“Over a hundred German scientists arrived here [Huntsville] at eleven o’clock on an April morning and by nightfall more than sixty had… — James A. Michener Copy Share Image
“A large library is apt to distract rather than to instruct the learner. It is much better to confine yourself to a… — James A. Michener Copy Share Image
I have only one bit of advice to beginning writers: be sure your novel is read by Rodgers and Hammerstein. — James A. Michener Copy Share Image
Many people who want to be writers don't really want to be writers. They want to have been writers. They wish they… — James A. Michener Copy Share Image
“I have often been mildly amused when I think that the great American novel was not written about New England or Chicago.… — James A. Michener Copy Share Image
“Because a boy who could read would sooner or later come upon some book that would give him an idea, and a… — James A. Michener Copy Share Image
When I was a child in the Navy during World War II, I was perennially grateful to the armed services libraries for… — James A. Michener Copy Share Image
You don't fight to protect warships or old men. Like the book says, you fight to save your civilization. And so often… — James A. Michener Copy Share Image
I write at eighty-five for the same reasons that impelled me to write at forty-five; I was born with a passionate desire… — James A. Michener Copy Share Image
Not too many people work in a job where, waiting out there are three or four hundred people who are paid to… — James A. Michener Copy Share Image
Whenever I start a book, I swear it's going to be a short one. But then it's, 'Who was his grandfather? And… — James A. Michener Copy Share Image
I have only one bit of advice to the beginning writer: Be sure your novel is read by Rodgers and Hammerstein. — James A. Michener Copy Share Image
“Why is it, Reverend Hale, that we must always laugh at our book, but always revere yours?” — James A. Michener Copy Share Image
“[Very rich people] with brains make a great effort to hold on to every penny they have while preaching to the general population that… — James A. Michener Copy Share Image
A writer can make a fortune in America, but he can't make a living. — James A. Michener Copy Share Image
As a writer I have persisted in my uncertainty, alternating between novels which could charitably be considered literature and world reporting which by another… — James A. Michener Copy Share Image
. . . Luddites were those frenzied traditionalists of the early 19th century who toured [England] wrecking new weaving machines on the theory that… — James A. Michener Copy Share Image
I am terrified of restrictive religious doctrine, having learned from history that when men who adhere to any form of it are in control,… — James A. Michener Copy Share Image
“This is not a promise, this is not threat, it's just the way it's gonna be!!!” — James A. Michener Copy Share Image
“We went into the night and for the first time in my life I saw the stars hanging low over the desert, for the… — James A. Michener Copy Share Image
The rules seem to be these: If you have written a successful novel, everyone invites you to write short stories. If you have written… — James A. Michener Copy Share Image
“A Roman came to Rabbi Gimzo the Water Carrier, and asked, "What is this study of the law that you Jews engage in?" and… — James A. Michener Copy Share Image
If you reject the food, ignore the customs, fear the religion and avoid the people, you might better stay home — James A. Michener Copy Share Image
I think the crucial thing in the writing career is to find what you want to do and how you fit in. What somebody… — James A. Michener Copy Share Image
“The chance emergence of the was nothing. Remember this. But its persistence and patient accumulation of stature were everything. Only by relentless effort did… — James A. Michener Copy Share Image
