I would rather raise certain topics and maybe let you ruminate on them. I'm not big on answering them.

Tragedy is a hell of a teacher. It's much too strict, but it's a hell of a teacher.

I like to go out and write. So I'll often go to a Starbucks or a local coffee bar, and I'll sit there and I'll write. I can write pretty much anywhere.

The state of New Jersey is really two places - terrible cities and wonderful suburbs. I live in the suburbs, the final battleground of the American dream, where people get married and have kids and try to scratch out a happy life for themselves. It's very romantic in that way, but a bit naive. I like to play with that in my work.

In real life, coincidences happen all the time. In novels, they are leapt upon with fury.

I pretty much only wear Lilly Pulitzer ties because my best friend owns the company.

A novel is like a sausage. You might like the final taste but you don't want to see how it was made.