I've just always written, and always considered myself a writer. I wrote my first story when I was five. There was nothing else I wanted to do or be.

Sometimes, things are just exercises.

I'm not that much of a researcher. I'm good at channeling characters, and I'm good at structure.

Maybe just as many women writers as male writers could be billed as the next great American writer by their publisher. Maybe book criticism sections could review an equal amount of female and male writers. Maybe Oprah could start putting some books by women authors in her book club, since most of her audience is women.

You can quit smoking, and never have to have a cigarette again to survive. But with food, it is a daily challenge.

I smoked for many years like a total idiot.

I've just always written, and always considered myself a writer. I wrote my first story when I was five. There was nothing else I wanted to do or be.