Gestating characters feels something like the mental equivalent of gestating a baby. In both cases, to create them you lose yourself. Or at least you reshape yourself to encompass them.

I was supposed to write a romantic comedy, but my characters broke up.

It was their mothers, long ago. Tibby noted with joy that all four of them were wearing jeans.

You carry your past with you even if you don't remember any of it.

I killed her once and died for her many times and I still have nothing to show for it. I always search for her ; I always remember her. I carry the hope that someday she will remember me.

When I turned fifteen, I remember my father gave me a credit card which I was allowed to use for two things: emergencies and books.

We forgive and forget. At least I forgive and he forgets.