When there's nothing to do, you do nothing slowly and intently.

Whenever I write a novel, music just sort of naturally slips in (much like cats do, I suppose).

I think that my job is to observe people and the world, and not to judge them. I always hope to position myself away from so-called conclusions. I would like to leave everything wide open to all the possibilities in the world.

What we needed were not words and promises but a steady accumulation of small realities.

Until the bitter end, the emptiness inside her was hers alone.

I'm kind of a low-key guy. The spotlight doesn't suit me. I'm more of a side dish--cole slaw or French fries or a Wham! backup singer.

I don't think of myself as an artist. I'm just a guy who can write.