Each book starts from ashes really. I don't feel that I have this to say or that to say or this story to tell or that story to tell, but I want to be occupied with the writing process while I'm living.

Sheer Playfulness and Deadly Seriousness are my closest friends.

I wouldn't mind writing a long book which is going to occupy me for the rest of my life.

Memories of the past are not memories of facts but memories of your imaginings of the facts.

The signore...wishes her to begin at the beginning.

When I was a child... I was watching a snowstorm, and hopefully asked, 'Momma, do we believe in winter?'

How easy life is when it's easy, and how hard when it's hard.