Trollope wrote so many novels and other works that they tend to crowd each other out.

I had spent years thinking about one thing while I was doing another. I had, in fact, prided myself on being able to do two things at once.

Giving his lecture for the third time freed Dr. Lionel Gift from paying much attention to it. He had a naturally expressive style of delivery, hones over the years in elementary-econ lecture halls. He knew, without even thinking, to address the middle rows of the hall, but to occasionally "shoot" the listeners in the back corners. He knew how to make eye contact and solicit the attention of those who were thinking of other things.

Every first draft is perfect, because all a first draft has to do is exist.

My mom was paranoid about my safety.

We sort of read two or three big newspapers but we don't get the flavor of the local events, the local news as much.

An urban novelist never minds a little decay.