As writers, it is our job not only to imagine, but to witness.

As a writer we are our own instruments; we need to protect our instrument, because no one will protect it if we don't.

Our teachers are everywhere. Our teachers are right in front of us, and take so many forms. All we need to do is to open our eyes, to be open to and aware of the possibilities. Otherwise, we walk sightless among miracles.

If you write memoir, it can't be about blame or hurt; it has to be creative.

My son is now fourteen, and from the moment he was born, I understood that forevermore my heart would be walking around outside my body.

When I sit down with my notebook, when I start scribbling words across the page, I find out what I’m feeling.

We don't choose what's going to wake us up.