There seem to be two ways of generating interest from the reader: withholding information or by telling the reader on the first page exactly what's going to happen.

For me, cultivation of my own style really started by looking at people. There are just some really beautiful people in the world. When you're walking down the street, or you're at a restaurant, someone catches your eye because they have their own look. It goes way beyond what they're wearing-into their mannerisms, the way they smile, or just the way they hold themselves.

I've never had a mentor. I've always wanted one. I'm actually really disappointed that nobody took my under their wing.

I wanted to reexamine the idea of the album for generations of people who are not my age, who love music or learning about music or are finding this band called R.E.M. or have just previously heard "Losing My Religion" and "Everybody Hurts" as their elevator music. I wanted to present an idea of what an album could be in the age of YouTube and the Internet.

There is a value to moving more slowly through a story.

I was obsessed with Agatha Christie in sixth grade.

I just think, as writers, especially with a book that takes years to write, you sort of wake up every morning hoping and praying that you can make it work for the day.