I showed up in October 1946, part of an early surge that would become a great nationwide baby boom. My sister Kathy was born a year later. Tim O'Brien babybearboom Change image and share on social
We tend to regard history as true and 'The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn' as untrue. That's always puzzled me. Tim O'Brien adventurefinnhistory Change image and share on social
'The Things They Carried' is labeled right inside the book as a work of fiction, but I did set out when I wrote the book to make it feel real... I use my own name, and I dedicated the book to characters in the book to give it the form of a war memoir. Tim O'Brien bookcarrycharacter share on social
When you're so close to material, it would be as if you had come out of a bad marriage. You would be so close to it that you would be paying attention to detail that may not mean a whole lot for the reader. Tim O'Brien attentionbadclose share on social
It's very hard to articulate the things that are important about writing. Tim O'Brien articulatehardimportant Change image and share on social
After each of my books about the war has appeared, I thought it might be the last, but I've stopped saying that to myself. There are just too many stories left to tell - in fact, more all the time. Tim O'Brien appearbookfact 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
I've been surprised by Austin. I had a cowboy image of the place. It's a pretty sophisticated city - in some ways, more sophisticated than Boston. And there's a lighter feel to the place. It's very good for my spirits. Tim O'Brien austinbostoncity share on social
Inside I feel much like a 12-year-old or a 17-year-old who knows big words. Tim O'Brien bigfeelinside Change image and share on social
By telling stories, you objectify your own experience. You separate it from yourself. You pin down certain truths. Tim O'Brien experienceobjectifypin Change image and share on social
