a writer doesn't only need the time when he's actually writing - he or she has got to have time to think and time just to let things work out. Nothing is worse for this than society. Nothing is worse for this than the abrasive, if enjoyable, effect of other people.

Certainly the people who are close to me are happier. They feel freer.

in writing, sex doesn't matter; it's the writing that matters.

Written words still have the amazing power to bring out the best and worst of human nature

Disaster is private, in its way, as love is.

People give one another things that can't be gift wrapped.

Everyone ends up moving alone towards the self