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James Salter

James Salter Quotes

Novelist

James Salter, born on June 10, 1925, was an influential American novelist known for his concise and profound writing style. His works, which cover themes such as love, war, and human nature, are considered classics of American literature. Salter's notable works include 'Last Summer' and 'Alaska'.

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Famous James Salter Quotes

“I write down portions, maybe fragments, and perhaps an imperfect view of what Im hoping to write. Out of that, I keep trying to find exactly what I want.”

Want Writing Trying Views Imperfect Portions Fragments Keep Trying

Author:James Salter

“I'd say the biggest relationship is the repetition of certain themes. I don't want to say "topics," but certain points of interest.”

Want Certain Interest Theme Repetition Topics

Author:James Salter

“Lots of scripts are written and not made, even scripts that people want to make.”

People Want Made Written Scripts

Author:James Salter

“I'm tired of my life, my clothes, the things I say. I'm hacking away at the surface, as at some kind of gray ice, trying to break through to what is underneath or I am dead. I can feel the surface trembling—it seems ready to give but it never does. I am uninterested in current events. How can I justify this? How can I explain it? I don't want to have the same vocabulary I've always had. I want something richer, broader, more penetrating and powerful.”

Source: Memorable Days: The Selected Letters of James Salter and Robert Phelps

“But that isn't my life. I have said many times I don't want to be considered one who once flew fighters. That's not who I am. I devoted the subsequent 50 years - more - to writing.”

Want Writing Years Said Who I Am Fighter Devoted Flew

Author:James Salter

About the Author

Born: June 10, 1925
Died: June 19, 2015
Known for: Novelist
Quotes: 99

Related Topics

Writing Book People Ifs Knows Thinking Believe Certain Men Past Real Stills Seems Trying Turns Want Way Children Dream Feelings

Popular Topics

People Ifs Thinking Knows Men World Way Want Love Life Inspirational Needs Giving Feels Should Writing Trying Years Mind Firsts

Books & Sources

Light YearsRelated source material

A Sport and a PastimeRelated source material

Memorable Days: The Selected Letters of James Salter and Robert PhelpsRelated source material

The Art of FictionRelated source material

The HuntersRelated source material

All That IsRelated source material

Burning the DaysRelated source material

Last NightRelated source material

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