I always think that good writers should be growing up on the brink of death - it really lets them see mortality very clearly.
Gary ShteyngartAll of my books have an element of a man who is in love with somebody and needs them desperately, not just for procreation but for being able to fully unbosom himself. He only feels comfortable discussing things with women. Which is funny, because 80 percent of readers are women!
Gary Shteyngart