Dad and Mom were frustrated artists - Dad wanted to study engineering or architecture and Mom wanted to be an actress - but the world was a different place when they were young so Dad became a public works foreman and Mom became a stay-at-home mom. When I said I wanted to be a writer, they were thrilled. They did everything in their power to support me.

I don't know if I have a book in me, but I'm sure I have more essays.

I usually tame my off-kilter sense of humor for novels.

In general, Americans like to be entertained. Canadians seem more suspicious of it.

We can be the new brand of self-extincting dinosaurs or we can evolve.

I don't think anyone's normal.

I find myself moved by social justice issues. I'm not sure where that will lead me. I'm willing to nurture it.