I am struck by how, except when you're young, you really need to prioritize in life, figuring out in what order you should divide up your time and energy. If you don't get that sort of system set by a certain age, you'll lack focus and your life will be out of balance.

Taking crazy things seriously is a serious waste of time.

Nothing in the real world is as beautiful as the illusions of a person about to lose consciousness.

But still," Ayumi said, "it seems to me that this world has a serious shortage of both logic and kindness." "You may be right," Aomame said, "But it's too late to trade it in for another one.

Good style happens in one of two ways: the writer either has an inborn talent or is willing to work herself to death to get it.

But didn't you say you were satisfied with your life?" "Word games," I dismissed. "Every army needs a flag.

When I start to write, I don't have any plan at all. I just wait for the story to come.