At the risk of appearing disingenuous, I don't really think of myself as 'writing humor.' I'm simply reporting on the world I observe, which is frequently hilarious. -Richard Russo Humor
I never worry about people not taking my work seriously as a result of the humor. In the end, the comic's best trick is the illusion that comedy is effortless. That people imagine what he's doing is easy is an occupational hazard. -Richard Russo Humor
Truth be told, I'm not an easy man. I can be an entertaining one, though it's been my experience that most people don't want to be entertained. They want to be comforted. -Richard Russo Truth
I don't think there's a shortage of material in the world. Or in my head. I just pray for continued good health, because I've got other stories to tell. -Richard Russo Health
A couple years ago, the novelist Russell Banks told me he was reading the ancient Greek historian Herodotus. I asked why. He said, 'Because I've always wanted to and am tired of having my reading assigned.' I thought it was a marvelous declaration of independence. -Richard Russo Independence
I have to have a character worth caring about. I tend not to start writing books about people I don't have a lot of sympathy for because I'm just going to be with them too long. -Richard Russo Sympathy
My books are elegiac in the sense that they're odes to a nation that even I sometimes think may not exist anymore except in my memory and my imagination. -Richard Russo Imagination
HBO is really famous for hiring good people and staying out of their way until they ask for help, or need it. And that reputation is earned. -Richard Russo Famous
