Robert Cormier
Robert Cormier
Robert Edmund Cormierwas an American author, columnist and reporter, known for his deeply pessimistic, downbeat literature. His most popular works include I Am the Cheese, After the First Death, We All Fall Down and The Chocolate War, all of which have won awards. The Chocolate War was challenged in multiple libraries. His books often are concerned with themes such as abuse, mental illness, violence, revenge, betrayal and conspiracy. In most of his novels, the protagonists do not win...
NationalityAmerican
ProfessionAuthor
Date of Birth17 July 1925
CountryUnited States of America
I've had aunts and uncles who not only haven't read my books but could hardly believe that I was a writer.
My dream was to be known as a writer and to be able to produce at least one book that would be read by people. That dream came true with the publication of my first novel - and all the rest has been a sweet bonus.
He was intrigued by the power of words, not the literary words that filled the books in the library but the sharp, staccato words that went into the writing of news stories. Words that went for the jugular. Active verbs that danced and raced on the page.
I have lived a thousand lives lost within the pages of a book.
There are no taboos. Every topic is open, however shocking. It is the way that the topics are handled that's important, and that applies whether it is a 15-year-old who is reading your book or someone who is 55.
As to that sensitive child out there, I know they exist, but maybe a good dose of the truth would be a warning for what's waiting.
I can't remember a time, really, when I haven't been a writer. Reading and writing were the two great escapes of my life and I suppose they still are.
All the stories I'll ever need are right here on Main Street.
...pain reaches a certain point and does not get worse but remains in all its intensity and you can survive it.
Do I dare disturb the universe? Yes, I do, I do. I think. Jerry suddenly understood the poster--the solitary man on the beach standing upright and alone and unafraid, poised at the moment of making himself heard and known in the world, the universe.
Why did the wise guys always accuse other people of being wise guys?
It came to me that hell would not be fire and smoke after all but arctic, everything white and frigid. Hell would be not anger but indifference.
We all start out with the same alphabet. We are all unique. Talent is not the most important thing --- discipline and dedication are. Craft can be learned but desire and longing are innate. Despite the demands of school and just being young, try to write SOMETHING every day --- a description, a captured emotion, a simile, a metaphor. Read, for crying out loud! A writer must read the way a ball player must go to the ballfield every day to practice. Everything is possible in this world of ours--- and so's publication.
I take real people and put them in extraordinary situations.