There was nothing more dangerous than people convinced of their own good intentions.

I carry in my datebook a piece of paper that my mother copied out for me, from the 1840 Census. Hardy Callaway Culver of Hancock County, Georgia, had 42 slaves, 31 "employed in agriculture." Culver was my great-great-great grandfather. I carry this piece of paper with me every day because I don't want to forget. I don't know what to do with the information, but I don't want to forget it.

I adore the work of Stephen Sondheim. I like musicales in general. They make surprisingly great running tapes.

I begin each book with a challenge to myself.

I'm for anything that lets writers stretch, in or out of their series.

Whatever you want, at any moment, someone else is getting it. Whatever you have, someone else is longing for.

It must be nice to be so strong and to think it's because you're so good, that you live right and eat right, so you deserve your health and happiness. But there is such a thing as luck, and there's more bad luck than good in this world.