I don't want to force my politics on my readers.

There is no devious and dangerous life. I've lived a charmed life, especially in the last thirty years since I've started publishing. I've won the lottery. And I keep winning it every year and I am so fortunate to do something I thoroughly enjoy and still enjoy after a bunch of books.

The good thing about writing fiction is that you can get back at people.

One thing that drives me nuts... well, let me ask you, when writers write do they not use quotation marks anymore?

I don't feel stupid, just inadequate. After three years of studying the law, I'm very much aware of how little I know.

Reading is by far the most successful pursuit of happiness.

I was on the verge of tears, so I turned and ran past the trailer and along the field road until I was safely out of their sight. Then I ducked into the cotton and waited for friendly voices. I sat on the hot ground, surrounded by stalks four feet tall, and I cried, something I really hated to do.