Quotes from Elmer Kelton

A bad habit or two is good for a man or a beast. Did you ever know a man who didn't have any bad habits? I have, and I always hated the son of a bitch." -- Charlie Flagg

A little honest swearin" wipeth away anger and bringeth peace to the soul.

I'll be riding rough horses when you are salted away in a box.

I just write whenever I can.

A man does what he feels is right, no matter what it costs him.

Andy said, "Yonder goes a man who hates the sin, but he's willin' enough to take its wages." Shanty replied, "I'm glad I won't be wearin' his shoes when he walks up to the Golden Gates." "He's wearin' better shoes than me and you." "I'd rather be barefooted.

Do you know how much cheaper we could buy that feed if we'd get into the government program?" "The feed wouldn't be cheaper. It'd just mean somebody else was helpin' pay for it, is all.

He's not the same as you; he never was. I don't know why it's been so hard for you to see that. He lives in a different world than you do." Sadly he shook his head. "We're all living in a different world any more. I liked the old one better.

The world had known but one perfect man, and no perfect woman whatever.

The Good Old Boys

The Time It Never Rained was inspired by actual events, when the longest and most severe drought in living memory pressed ranchers and farmers to the outer limits of courage and endurance.