Fantasy has a dark side to it. It also has a light hemisphere - the power of the human imagination to keep going, to imagine a better tomorrow. Tim O'Brien darkfantasyhemisphere Change image and share on social
I learned that moral courage is harder than physical courage. Tim O'Brien couragehardlearn Change image and share on social
When writing, I'm not thinking about war, even if I'm writing about it. I'm thinking about sentences, rhythm and story. So the focus, when I'm working, even if it's on a story that takes place at war, is not on bombs or bullets. It's on the story. Tim O'Brien bombbulletfocus share on social
Poetry is not an issue of form and enjambments. Poetry, as the word is classically used, has to do with sound and sense. It can be rhyme. It can be rhythm, pace, breath. Tim O'Brien breathclassicallyenjambment Change image and share on social
I received my draft notice right after graduation from college and had three months before going into the Army in September to think about it. Tim O'Brien armycollegedraft Change image and share on social
I didn't get into writing to make money or get famous or any of that. I got into it to hit hearts, and man, when I get letters not just from the soldiers but from their kids, especially their kids, it makes it all worthwhile. Tim O'Brien famoushearthit share on social
In Iraq and Afghanistan, our soldiers signed up intentionally. That's a huge difference from the largely conscripted army of my era. Tim O'Brien afghanistanarmyconscript Change image and share on social
When I have a book I enjoy, I'm partly in the book. I'm not just observing it. Tim O'Brien bookenjoyobserve Change image and share on social
I could feel my moral compass as a soldier, in danger of - I could feel the squeeze, the pressure of frustration and anger and fear combining on me... I felt the danger; I felt the squeeze of it. Tim O'Brien angercombinecompass Change image and share on social
I returned to Vietnam in '94, and even then, all those decades later, walking around that place, I remained afraid. And, in some ways, rightly so. Tim O'Brien afraiddecadeplace Change image and share on social