The novel is the affliction for which only the novel is the cure.

As soon as I moved to Princeton in 1978, I became fascinated by local history, much of it Revolutionary War-era; and I became fascinated by the presidency of Woodrow Wilson at Princeton University.

I don't believe in predestination - except for genetic predilections.

A daydreamer is prepared for most things.

Early publication can be a dubious blessing: we all know writers who would give anything not to have published their first book, and go about trying to buy up all existing copies.

the music was always in the background, like music at a church service; it was something to depend upon.

I had forgotten that time wasn't fixed like concrete but in fact was fluid as sand, or water. I had forgotten that even misery can end.