Writing a short story is like having a short intense affair, whereas writing a novel is like a long rich marriage.

Old people are often impatient, but for what?

At a Boston signing, someone from the audience asked why I was so obsessed with furniture in my books. The question rattled around in my head. I had no idea that I was obsessed with furniture.

Everyone coming out of a perfume store is smelling the back of their hand.

Sometimes it is the smallest thing that saves us: the weather growing cold, a child's smile, and a cup of excellent coffee.

There's almost always a point in a book where something happens that triggers the rest of the plot.

The only question that nobody ever asks is: What breaks your heart? I think that should be asked of all "artists."... So, what breaks your heart?