The truth is that for those 86 long years when the Red Sox went without a World Series win, fans were not only in a recession, but trapped in a longstanding, deeply entrenched sports depression.

I have faith in human beings. I struggle with that faith.

I prefer a cluttered workspace.

I always think I know the way a novel will go. I write maps on oversized art pads like the kind I carried around in college when I was earnest about drawing. I need to have some idea of the shape of the novel, where its headed, so that I can proceed with confidence. But the truth is my characters start doing and saying things I don't expect.

I'm a writer of faith. I was raised Catholic, and I have a deeply Catholic imagination.

Love is selfless, it is a weakness, a giving in, a constant falling.

I feel too much. It's like being drummed to death from within. You know?