Domesticity has been a challenge for me but painful as it's been, engaging with family has been a school for reducing solipsism and increasing my understanding of people's different reactions to stress.

Indeed, at times it's best to shut up.

If someone in my family is getting emotionally bent out of shape, I've had to learn to adapt.

You must read a lot of personal essays - you needn't reinvent the wheel.

For most of my life, I have wanted broad impact but now, at 72, I'm not so sure that's always my first priority.

Have fun writing, because it enhances both the writer's and reader's experience.

I really do like to write and when I'm not, I think, "Okay, I'll be a good citizen now" but fact is, that's secondary.