…I go through a story for lies. I might discover the lie of trying to show off. Sometimes they’re lies of character. Sometimes they are lies of writing the most beautiful sentence in the world that has nothing to do with the story.

Everyone, real or invented, deserves the open destiny of life.

My vocabulary is adequate for writing notes and keeping journals but absolutely useless for an active moral life.

Hindsight, usually looked down upon, is probably as valuable as foresight, since it does include a few facts.

The best training is to read and write, no matter what. Don't live with a lover or roommate who doesn't respect your work. Don't lie, buy time, borrow to buy time. Write what will stop your breath if you don't write.

To be modest means that you have something to be modest about.

That heartbreaking moment when you finish an amazing book, and you are forced to return to reality.