I also believe that if you're really a writer, you'll write, and that nobody could stop you.

The way I see it,” she began, “your mother’s devoted her whole life to you kids.” She said “you kids” in precisely the same tone I would have used for “you infestation of cockroaches

I also believe that if you're really a writer, you'll write, and that nobody could stop you.

I have these "pinch me" moments when I realize I got to be the thing I wanted to be growing up. I'm right where I belong.

The difference between people who believe they have books inside of them and those who actually write books is sheer cussed persistence - the ability to make yourself work at your craft, every day - the belief, even in the face of obstacles, that you've got something worth saying.

Stephen King writes mass fiction but gets reviewed by the New York Times and writes for the New Yorker. Critics say to me, "Shut up and enjoy your money," and I think, OK, I'll shut up and enjoy my money, but why does Stephen King get to enjoy his money and get reviewed on the cover of the New York Times Sunday Book Review?

You move forward because thats the way it works; thats the only place you can go.