What was even more germane was my study of the history of religion. It was one of the few things in school I was fascinated by.

The way you define yourself as a writer is that you write every time you have a free minute. If you didn't behave that way you would never do anything.

. . .There are moments when time does stop. We must be alert enough to notice such moments . . .

There is no straightforward negotiation with a four year old.

No one could have fathomed what a life he'd led, for it was chiefly a life lived in his mind.

I have always believed that, in a story, if something traumatic or calamitous enough happens to a kid at a formative age, that will make him or her the adult they become.

O God — please give him back! I shall keep asking You.