I think one of the good things about writing novels is that you always start from scratch.

After decades spent in rewrite rooms surrounded by other shouting writers, I discovered that I work best alone. I like being in charge of my time, working out the problems according to my own rhythms and being able to nap. That's a big one, the napping on demand!

I want find a part of myself that I feel shame about, or that I feel really scared of exposing to the world.

Ruthless concern with story is what I learned in television.

I got a huge knot in my stomach because if Antarctica could talk, it would be saying only one thing: you don't belong here. (277)

When I'm writing a book, I draw from my immediate experience, and my books are therefore almost a snapshot of where I am at that moment in my life.

I think one of the good things about writing novels is that you always start from scratch.