A novel is a printed circuit through which flows the force of a reader's own life.

- E. L. Doctorow

The historian will tell you what happened. The novelist will tell you what it felt like.

- E. L. Doctorow

A novelist is a person who lives in other people's skins.

- E. L. Doctorow

Writing is like driving at night in the fog. You can only see as far as your headlights, but you can make the whole trip that way.

- E. L. Doctorow

Good writing is supposed to evoke sensation in the reader - not the fact that it is raining, but the feeling of being rained upon.

- E. L. Doctorow

We are able to walk on air, but only as long as our illusion supports us.

- E. L. Doctorow

We're always attracted to the edges of what we are, out by the edges where it's a little raw and nervy.

- E. L. Doctorow

The three most important documents a free society gives are a birth certificate, a passport, and a library card.

- E. L. Doctorow

I am often asked the question How can the masses permit themselves to be exploited by the few. The answer is By being persuaded to identify with them.

- E. L. Doctorow