"...I don't really think the standard of judgment, the missing link, you spoke of that you find in my stories emerges from any religion but Christanity, because it concerns specifically Christ and the Incarnation..."

"You certainly are nice to want to give me that dog but I'll have to take the thought for the dog. I didn't tell you what I raise: I raise peacocks--and you can't keep dogs and peacocks on the same place..."

"...Last week I went to the university in Athens to give a talk on the short story at a Jamboree called The Southern Writer's Conference--put on by the university in conjunction with the Atlant Branch of the Penwomen. Believe me, penwomen are a tribe apart..."

"What I can't decide is what you do with all that tomato juice. This is the only farm I've heard of that specializes in dogs, worms and tomato juice. If I ever get in that direction I'll certainly stop and investigate. Right now, what with my two aluminum legs, I don't have any urge to go out of the yard..."

"I'm a full-time believer in writing habits, pedestrian as it all may sound. You may be able to do without them if you have genius but most of us only have talent and this is simply something that has to be assisted all the time by physical and mental habits or it dries up and blows away..."

"...I always have an idea of what I want to do when I write a story, but whether I'll be able to remains always to be seen. I am writing a story now and have proceeded at a regular rate of two pages a day..."

"Except for one novel by Wright Morris I haven't read any of those people in that book either. No, I did try to read one of Paul Darsey Boles novels but it was pretty bad and I didn't get beyond a chapter..."

"Have you seen Caroline Gordon's latest book out (Viking) called 'How to Read a Novel'? [sic] I think it's badly titled because it isn't really for readers but for writers. I think it would be good for your freshmen though..."

"...I am back on my novel after a vaction from it writing a story. I have now sent the story off and have to get my mind back on the other which is always a chore..." "

"Thank you for offering to let me use your camera but the doctor has decided that this trip would be too strenuous for me so it is off. I am just as well satisfied as I was not looking forward to the exertion. If I ever get terribly rich, haw, I shall go at my leisure and stay in one place..."