For me, things were either very sullied or very pure, very controlled or very under-controlled.

From the beginning [of the Lincoln in the Bardo], I actually had it in mind not to write a novel. I'd kind of gotten past that point where I felt bad for never having written a novel, even to where I felt really good about it, like I was a real purist.

I think each writer has to seek her most energetic prose style. She has to find a way to write so that nobody can deny it.

My heart goes out to him. Sort of. Because empathy depends on how you've spent your day.

The one thing about A Christmas Carol that always bothers me is that Cratchit is so sweet and perfect. He's like an Ivy League kid who just is labeled "poor." He doesn't have any bad habits. He's never cranky with his kids.

Don't be afraid to be confused. Try to remain permanently confused. Anything is possible.

In fact unrestrained capitalism is quite cruel and the cost is on the individual human, on his or her grace.