Beware the old man in young guy's clothes. If he's over 35 and comes to pick you up looking as though he's headed for a skateboarding competition while you are dressed to go to a nice restaurant, this is not a good sign.

No one would argue against the fact that L.A. leads the country in opportunities for being hip and pretentious.

The day is divided into two important sections: Mealtimes and everything else.

my mother ... took the fact that my taste differed from hers as a personal insult.

You just never know when it might be cookie time. And, that is what the dogs have taught me.

Every moment of your life that is not a complete nightmare is happiness.

Here’s what I learned: First thing in the morning, before I have drowned myself in coffee, while I still have that sleepy brain I used to believe was useless — that is the best brain for creative writing. Words come pouring out easily while my head still feels as if it is full of ground fog, wrapped in flannel and gauze, and surrounded by a hive of humming, velvety sleep bees.