It's possible to overlook character flaws of in-laws for the simple reason that you feel neither responsible for them nor genetically implicated.

He looks like he could be taken in a fight. Not by me, but by somebody. Not anyone in Humanities, probably.

I don't think America has ever had a center the way London is the center of England or Dublin is the center of Ireland.

It's no secret that in my books I'm trying to make the comic and the serious rub up against each other just as closely and uncomfortably as I can.

I looked back at some of my earlier published stories with genuine horror and remorse. I got thinking, How many extant copies might there be, who owns them, and do they keep their doors locked?

When you don't know what to do, try something; if that doesn't work, try something else.

You can be interested in a Jane Smiley novel whether or not anyone says a word. She enters into her characters thoughts with great understanding and depth.