Prayer means that, in some unique way, we believe we're invited into a relationship with someone who hears us when we speak in silence.

The real payoff is the writing itself, that a day when you have gotten your work done is a good day, that total dedication is the point.

I loved every second of Catholic church. I loved the sickly sweet rotting-pomegranate smells of the incense. I loved the overwrought altar, the birdbath of holy water, the votive candles; I loved that there was a poor box, the stations of the cross rendered in stained glass on the windows.

And my fear of failure has been lifelong and deep. If you are what you do- and I think my parents may have accidentally given me this idea- and you do poorly, what then? It’s over; you’re wiped out. All those prophecies you heard in the dark have come true, and people can see the real you, see what a schmendrick you are, what a fraud.

My idea of absolute happiness is to be in bed on a rainy day, with my blankie, my cat, and my dog.

If you have a body, you are entitled to the full range of feelings. It comes with the package.

Prayer means that, in some unique way, we believe we're invited into a relationship with someone who hears us when we speak in silence.