In revision, your imagination becomes deeply engaged with your material. It's when you come to know your characters and begin to perceive their motivations and values.

The landscape of childhood shapes us as it shapes the characters in our stories. You never forget the sacred places of your childhood.

I was reading for understanding. I wanted to do to a reader what Salinger did for me.

You will feel discouraged; you will lose confidence in your abilities; you will be bored with the characters–and the only way to overcome these obstacles is to write your way through them. And writing always works.

As a writer you can and should expect to hear conflicting responses to your story.

I revise like crazy. I start revising before the pen hits the paper.

A pure love is a selfless love, but can desire ever be selfless?