The more original a short-story writer, the odder looking the assortment of things he or she puts together for a story.

The principle of literature is devotion to the particulars of life.

Emily was feeling the elation of conscientious hosts when they can temporarily escape a ubiquitous houseguest.

There isn't a thought or feeling that doesn't alter or deepen when written. We are a writing animal. That is why all of us feel we have a book inside us. It isn't an illusion. We have got a book inside us.

The more original a short-story writer, the odder looking the assortment of things he or she puts together for a story.

Apprenticeship is one of the dearest roles of childhood, not just watching Dad or Mother, but being taught a hands-on trade.

For a short-story writer, a story is the combination of what the writer supposed the story would likely be about - plus what actually turned up in the course of writing.