In every generation there is a vault-keeper, one who guards the links fiercely and knows they are more precious than rubies.

What's more important that spiritual life? It seems to me it's the bedrock of everything essential about being human.

I think there's something about a writer's disposition, that is, even if unaware, always slightly in a witness state.

There is no end to the promotion. There is no end to the possibilities. You can continue to promote a book for years, literally.

I do whatever is necessary in order to maintain the equanimity we all need to withstand the disappointment and rejection that are the lot of every writer, no matter where we are in our careers.

I do strongly identify with being Jewish. I was raised Orthodox and had a childhood complicated by the fact that my father was deeply religious and my mother was not.

My desk is covered with talismans: pieces of rose quartz, wishing stones from a favorite beach.