The difference between writing a story and simply relating past events is that a story, in order to be acceptable, must have shape and meaning. It is the old idea that art is the bringing of order out of chaos.

I have been mocked by beauty, too. But it was the beauty which cost me nothing that in the end turned upon me.

I can't believe there will ever be a time when the book is truly obsolete. It is the perfect technology and feeds the soul.

There are few things, apparently, more helpful to a writer than having once been a weird little kid.

I'm sure my first nine years have had a powerful influence on the kind of books I write.

What I have come to believe is that joy is the twin sister of gratitude. I am most joyful when I am most grateful.

If you could hold your nose to avoid a stink, or close your eyes to cut out a sight, why not shut off your brain to avoid a thought?