Compassion doesn't have to be weak or enabling; it can also be quite bold.

Back in 1992, I had my first story accepted by 'The New Yorker.'

It seems to me that there are certain thoughts and vignettes and attitudes that I have always had the desire to represent.

You can say you're a liberal and everybody laughs and it's a good time.

As the writer of this book [Lincoln in the Bardo], what I loved was the feeling of having so many surprises come at the end that I hadn't really planned or planted.

I'm finding, as I get older, that I'm not much of a believer in redemption. I mean, I believe in redemption in real life - redemption does happen, and it's cool when it does - but I find myself getting leery of my desire for it in stories (especially my own).

I'm comfortable with anything after the fact.