I didn't need to write historical epics, no, or science fiction, though I read a lot of science fiction as a kid and rather liked it. But I didn't have the mentality. John Updike epicfictionhistorical Change image and share on social
In tennis, there is the forehand, the backhand, the overhead smash and the drop volley, all with a different grip. John Updike backhanddropforehand Change image and share on social
In my first 15 or 20 years of authorship, I was almost never asked to give a speech or an interview. The written work was supposed to speak for itself, and to sell itself, sometimes even without the author's photograph on the back flap. John Updike askauthorauthorship share on social
I suppose sequels are inevitable for a writer of a certain age. John Updike ageinevitablesequel Change image and share on social
Professionalism in art has this difficulty: To be professional is to be dependable, to be dependable is to be predictable, and predictability is esthetically boring - an anti-virtue in a field where we hope to be astonished and startled and at some deep level refreshed. John Updike antiartastonish share on social
Hobbies take place in the cellar and smell of airplane glue. John Updike airplanecellarglue Change image and share on social
My wife and I had children when we were children ourselves. John Updike childwife Change image and share on social
The lust to meet authors ranks low, I think, on the roll of holy appetites; but it is an authentic pang. John Updike appetiteauthenticauthor Change image and share on social
We're past the age of heroes and hero kings... Most of our lives are basically mundane and dull, and it's up to the writer to find ways to make them interesting. John Updike agebasicallydull Change image and share on social
There's almost nothing worse to live with than a struggling artist. John Updike artistbadlylive Change image and share on social
