Why are we reading a Shakespeare play or 'Huckleberry Finn?' Well, because these works are great, but they also tell us something about the times in which they were created. Unfortunately, previous eras and dead authors often used language or accepted as normal sentiments that we now find unacceptable.

Before I write a novel, images float around in my head that work like icons - they are meaningless in themselves, but serve as reminders.

Is human nature basically good or evil? No economist can embark upon his profession without considering this question, and yet they all seem to. And they all seem to think human nature is basically good, or they wouldn't be surprised by the effects of deregulation.

As Fallingwater demonstrates, Wright's genius was always specific, but also always lively, always daring.

The desire to write a novel is the single required prerequisite for writing a novel.

English majors understand human nature better than economists do.

Another thing I learned is that novels, even those from apparently distant times and places, remain current and enlightening, and also comforting.