“But really, it was reading that led me to writing. And in particular, ...” — Russell Banks Quote

“But really, it was reading that led me to writing. And in particular, reading the American classics like Twain who taught me at an early age that ordinary lives of ordinary people can be made into high art.”

“Through writing, through that process, they realize that they become more intelligent, and more honest and more imaginative than they can be in any other part of their life.”

“If you dedicate your attention to discipline in your life you become smarter while you are writing than while you are hanging out with your pals or in any other line of work.”

“I began as a boy with artistic talent... as a visual artist... I thought that was what I'd become and in my late teens drifted into reading serious literature.”

“Although I still occasionally paint and draw, my life has now been shaped by my writing.”

“My major allegiance has been to storytelling, not to history.”

“I do all the classics, like Dylan, Kristofferson, Jimmy Reed, Mexican mariachi songs, some jazz songs from the '30s. Cole Porter's 'Begin the Beguine,' that's one of my favorites.”

“To be able to rub shoulders with kids who have spent their entire lives studying the classics... that's something I need to improve my overview.”

“There's something cool about playing 'Tempted' and then picking up the mandolin and playing 'Dark as a Dungeon' and standing on the classics. It's nice to just let soul rule.”

“I love soundtracks. I used to have three iPod classics: one with regular music, one with soundtracks, and one with demos on it.”

“I believe in classics. I like keeping it simple, whether its colours, cuts, or the outfits I wear.”

“There's no question that Whale's movies are classics. They were wonderful, and successful.”