Despite all the cynical things writers have said about writing for money, the truth is we write for love. That is why it is so easy to exploit us.

Art keeps one young, I think, because it keeps one perpetually a beginner, perpetually a child.

I think a lot of people, when they read about a woman who acknowledges her sexuality and her feelings, get really scared. They say they want to be fearless, but in reality they're terrified. If they acknowledge their deepest feelings, they might have to change their lives.

Sex and creativity are often seen by dictators as subversive activities.

I think men have always been afraid of women's sexuality, and the restrictions they put on women testify to that.

The bruise on the heart which at first feels incredibly tender to the slightest touch eventually turns all the shades of the rainbow and stops aching. We forget about it. We even forget we have hearts until the next time. And then we wonder how we ever could have forgotten. We think this one is better, because, in fact, we cannot fully remember the time before.

You see a lot of smart guys with dumb women, but you hardly ever see a smart woman with a dumb guy.