Foolish people are never harmless. Stupidity accounts for as many crimes as anger and greed.

But you want murderous feelings? Hang around librarians," confided Gamache. "All that silence. Gives them ideas.

Don't mistake dramatics for a conscience.

But there was no hiding from Conscience. Not in new homes and new cars. In travel. In meditation or frantic activity. In children, in good works. On tiptoes or bended knee. In a big career. Or a small cabin. It would find you. The past always did. Which was why... it was vital to be aware of actions in the present. Because the present became the past, and the past grew. And got up, and followed you. And found you... Who wouldn't be afraid of this?

I've seen enough successful writers who no longer seem to care when they are recognized with an award, and I think that's just tragic.

Or - perhaps - I should just worry about my own behavior and let others be who they are.

Winning doesn't mean my book is better than anyone else's. It means I'm very fortunate. And I should be very, very aware of that. And grateful.