One place exists as their interpretation of it. For the people living and thriving inside of it, it's another place.

Everything I write, I read out loud. It has to sound a certain way. It has to look a certain way on the page.

Even with all of its changing, Brooklyn's architecture still feels like home, the language feels like home. It's changing so quickly that it's surprising. It's surprising still, when someone looks kind of askance to see me walking towards them.

Because I write realistic fiction, I generally don't think about fixing anyone - I just think about how I want to feel at the end of the book - And I try to write toward that feeling.

Sometimes you do have to laugh to keep from crying. And sometimes the world feels all right and good and kind of like it's becoming nice again around you. And you realize it, and realize how happy you are in it, and you just gotta laugh.

If I loved someone enough, I would go anywhere in the world with them." —Staggerlee

In all your getting, get understanding.