The 1950s to me is darkness, hidden history, perversion behind most doors waiting to creep out. The 1950s to most people is kitsch and Mickey Mouse watches and all this intolerable stuff… – James Ellroy
As much as I transferred my mother to Elizabeth Shore of The Black Dahlia, as much as her dad mutated into an obsession with crime in general, well, I have thought about other things throughout the years. – James Ellroy
I am the most well-adjusted human being I know. I started out this investigation as a very happy man with a great career. Ive got the life people dream about: I am rich, I am famous, Ive got a fabulous marriage to an absolutely, spell-bindingly brilliant woman. – James Ellroy
I like to be alone so I can write. But focus can hurt you. I dont want to be some stress casualty in early middle age. – James Ellroy
Im uncomfortable when Im comfortable. I have to start something new-in the agency or in my personal life-every two years or so. Taking risks gives me energy. I cant help it, its my personality. Id like to think its not really a compulsion toward high risks, but the spirit of an entrepreneur. – Jay Chiat