I just can't smile at people for money.

Notoriously insensitive to subtle shifts in mood, children will persist in discussing the color of a recently sighted cement-mixer long after one's own interest in the topic has waned.

Magazines all too frequently lead to books and should be regarded by the prudent as the heavy petting of literature.

If people don't hold grudges, it means they just don't care what people do.

When I was young, boys didn't type.

[On the writers she admires:] I prefer dead writers, because I don't see them at parties.

Not writing is probably the most exhausting profession I've ever encountered. It takes it out of you. It's very psychically wearing not to write - I mean if you're supposed to be writing.