View your burden as a gift. It's the theme that has been given you to work with. Accept that and lean into it.

...if you catalogue grudges, anything looks bad.

I wonder how many times we dream that kind of dream-something strange and illogical-and fail to realize God is trying to tell us something.

It's true that writing is a solitary occupation, but you would be surprised at how much companionship a group of imaginary characters can offer once you get to know them.

When you have children, you're obligated to live.

I expect that any day now, I will have said all I have to say; I'll have used up all my characters, and then I'll be free to get on with my real life.

...it's closeness that does you in. Never get too close to people, son.