Let's say I've directed that [writing] energy into writing my latest book but suddenly, I really want to write about an onion. I don't say to myself, "No, you have stay on the subject," because I know that the longer I stay on the subject the more boring I get. So, if my mind wants to write about an onion, it might be a deeper way to go into what I'm working on, even though it might seem irrelevant. This is how I've learned to follow my mind.

To encounter a fine book and have time to read it is a wonderful thing.

Be awake to the details around you, but don't be self-conscious.

Finally, one just has to shut up, sit down, and write.

That's very nice if they want to publish you, but don't pay too much attention to it. It will toss you away. Just continue to write.

Every moment is enormous and it is all we have.

The deepest secret in our heart of hearts is that we are writing because we love the world.