The first thing we see about a short story is its mystery. And in the best short stories, we return at the last to see mystery again

One place comprehended can make us understand other places better.

For the night was not impartial. No, the night loved some more than others, served some more than others.

A good snapshot stops a moment from running away.

When I was a child and the snow fell, my mother always rushed to the kitchen and made snow ice cream and divinity fudge-egg whites, sugar and pecans, mostly. It was a lark then and I always associate divinity fudge with snowstorms.

My main disappointment was always that a book had to end. And then what? But I don't think I was ever disappointed by the books. I must have been what any author would consider an ideal reader. I felt every pain and pleasure suffered or enjoyed by all the characters. Oh, but I identified!

I like the feeling of being able to confront an experience and resolve it as art.