Sylvie's knowledge, like Izzie's, was random yet far-ranging, 'The sign that one has acquired one's learning from reading novels rather than an education.

I spent four years doing a doctorate in postmodern American literature. I can recognize it when I see it.

Love was the hardest thing. Don't let anyone ever tell you different.

She was a terrible mother, there was no doubt about it, but she didn't even have the strength to feel guilty.

Whatever happens to you, embrace it, the good and the bad equally. Death is just one more thing to be embraced.

Probably not needing to be published would give me more time to think about a book.

I can't imagine what it would be like to write in a relaxed state. I'm going to be writing some stories for my own interest. I want to experiment with different things and see if I can approach writing with much less control and in a better psychological state. It will be like breaking out of a straitjacket.