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Asking a working writer what he thinks about critics is like asking a lamp-post what it feels about dogs.

When you write about animals, of course, you are really writing about the people who love and live with them. Animals mirror and reveal us. Dogs in particular are often reflections of us, and what we need them to be.

Critics have a problem with sentimentality. Readers do not. I write for readers.

Writers have opinions - that, in part, is why they write. Therefore they have strong likes and dislikes.

The greater part of critics are parasites, who, if nothing had been written, would find nothing to write.

Writing is a dog's life, but the only life worth living.

My whole life, I wanted to write. What validates you as a writer is the adulation of fans... and I've got that... 'Animal Review' is pretty well-known.

In one's relationship with dogs and with a newsroom, a generous amount of praise and encouragement goes much better than criticism.

Honest criticism, I suppose, has its place. But honest writing is infinitely more valuable.

If you have too good a time writing hostile reviews, you'll injure not only your sensibility but your soul.