Flannery O'Connor

The basis of art is truth, both in matter and in mode.

I am not afraid that the book will be controversial, I'm afraid it will not be controversial.

The writer can choose what he writes about but he cannot choose what he is able to make live.

Having proceeded to this length, for which they are now ripe, we shall have a formidable rebellion against reason, the principle of all government, and against the very name of liberty.

I think Indian women are very beautiful. They have a sense of elegance and innocence.

Among the American contemporaries I read with most enjoyment are several North Carolinians. I think the best poetry being written these days is being written by Southerners.