It turns out that our intuition is a greater genius than we are.

Does research get in the way of the story? It certainly can. Anything can, given that as writers we're all geniuses at procrastination. But mostly research teaches me about the world. Which often shows me the way, in terms of the story.

I don't think conservativism is about a deficiency. I think it's about a commitment to an ideology that has to in some ways devalue the usefulness of empathy. I do think empathy can be learned. And enhanced.

What makes us threaten the things we want most?

I do find stories - or literary fiction - an apt form for analyzing the world. And especially for trying to imagine the other. An agenda, again, that seems more important now than ever.

Class is the most taboo subject in America. The American media would rather talk about race or perversion or anything else considered taboo before class.

I very much like people. I don't much like writers who don't.