Anyone can express himself or herself, but what writers and poets want to do in their work, more than simply express themselves, is communicate.

When a reader finishes a wonderful story and lays it aside, he should have to pause for a minute and collect himself.

Nights without beginning that had no end. Talking about a past as if it'd really happened. Telling themselves that this time next year, this time next year, things were going to be different.

Honey, no offense, but sometimes I think I could shoot you and watch you kick.

Writers will be judged by what they write.

What do any of us really know about love?

I've done as many as 20 or 30 drafts of a story. Never less than 10 or 12 drafts.