As the writer, I may choose to ignore the emotional heart of the matter, and focus on details, and trust that the heart of the matter will be conveyed nevertheless.

Like a tropical storm, I, too, may one day become ‘better organized.

I find teaching - I like it, but I find just walking into the classroom and facing the students very difficult.

I don't feel I have to struggle against allegory. I let the readers do the interpreting.

No one is calling me. I can’t check the answering machine because I have been here all this time. If I go out, someone may call while I’m out. Then I can check the answering machine when I come back in.

I think the close work I do as a translator pays off in my writing - I'm always searching for multiple ways to say things.

I'm used to rereading e-mails, even, before sending them - a bit compulsive. So this is high speed roller coaster for me!