I kind of call myself an atheist I suppose - although quite a spiritual atheist I hope.

I don't consider myself to be a major talent so the only solace I can take is to hope I'm growing.

I had a huge advantage when I started 50 years ago - my job was secure. I didn't have to promote myself. These days there's far more pressure to make a mark so the temptation is to make adventure television or personality shows. I hope the more didactic approach won't be lost.

I've convinced myself - I hope I'm right - that children despair of you if you don't tell them the truth.

Do parents sit down and tell their kids everything? I don't know. I don't know. I've convinced myself - I hope I'm right - that children despair of you if you don't tell them the truth.

It's possible that I've matured as a writer and I hope I've matured emotionally but I always find myself revisiting these adolescent scenes.

I can only speak for myself and hope people hear my words and see me on television speaking for myself. And hopefully they'll be able to make their own judgment. And at the end of the day I just want my work to speak for itself.

I would describe myself as emotional and highly strung. If something upsets me it really upsets me. If something makes me angry I get really angry. But it's all very upfront. I can't hide it. I'm also loyal and I hope I'm fun.

I'm always amazed when a pitcher becomes angry at a hitter for hitting a home run off him. When I strike out I don't get angry at the pitcher I get angry at myself. I would think that if a pitcher threw up a home run ball he should be angry at himself.

I'm hoping someday that some kid black or white will hit more home runs than myself. Whoever it is I'd be pulling for him.