My stories are never quite good enough

Mostly it's lies, writing novels. You set out to tell an untrue story and you try to make it believable, even to yourself. Which calls for details; any good lie does.

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.

Once upon a time, there was a woman who discovered she had turned into the wrong person.

I consciously try to end my novels at a point where I won't have to wonder about my characters ever again.

People always call it luck when you've acted more sensibly than they have.

And I am interested in the fact that class is very much a factor in America, even though it's not supposed to be.