I think a day in your life on which nothing bad happens may be a wonderful day, but it probably isn't going to be the basis of a story.

We still have so many cultures in which people are imprisoned and whipped and killed for writing what they think.

We're always inventing, even if we're making someone who's fairly close to ourselves.

I get to a certain point, and I think in a novel it's about the third draft, when I want other eyes on it.

Anyone with an imagination can write about the day-to-day experiences of someone he or she is not.

Being part of a community of writers is huge. I really think that's why people go to MFA programs.

The main thing is to explain to yourself that everybody suffers.