I work continuously within the shadow of failure. For every novel that makes it to my publisher's desk, there are at least five or six that died on the way. And even with the ones I do finish, I think of all the ways they might have been better.

Dreams say what they mean, but they don't say it in daytime language.

How easy it was to make people happy, when you didn't want or need anything from them.

One is taught by experience to put a premium on those few people who can appreciate you for what you are.

I believe that with enough practice and good faith, you can learn to recognize when the work is achieved.

If there is such a thing as sin in this world, I think it must be shutting oneself up against hope.

I read constantly. If I don't have a good book, I'm beside myself.