For some of us, good books and beautiful writing are our ultimate solace, even more comforting than exquisite food.

When you pray, you are not starting the conversation from scratch, just remembering to plug back into a conversation that's always in progress.

...It really IS easier to experience spiritual connection when your life is in the process of coming apart.

Frequently, as so many poets and psalmists and songwriters have said, the invisible shift happens through the broken places.

I still encourage anyone who feels at all compelled to write to do so. I just try to warn people who hope to get published that publication is not all it is cracked up to be. But writing is.

Left to my own devices, would I trade this for firm thighs, fewer wrinkles, a better memory? On some days. That's why it's such a blessing I'm not left to my own devices. Because the truth is I have amazing friends and a deep faith in God, to whom I can turn. I have a cool kid, a sweet boyfriend, darling pets. I've learned to pay attention to life, and to listen. I'd give up all this for a flatter belly? Are you crazy?

You don't want to spend your time around people who make you hold your breath. You can't fill up when you're holding your breath. And writing is about filling up, filling up when you are empty, letting images and ideas and smells run down like water - just as writing is also about dealing with the emptiness.