I began writing as an experimental writer.

Now I feel life is really short and I have to take care of things.

You know how women have this clock when they want to have a baby? I had this clock where I wanted to win a national award by thirty, be at a big press by thirty-five. I was always working with these self-driven goals.

The beauty of literature is you allow readers to see things through other peoples eyes. All good books do this.

I try to be as honest about what I see and to speak rather than be silent, especially if it means I can save lives, or serve humanity.

When you speak words that are relevant to people, they automatically shut up and you know you are in the presence of some very magical words. It's a gift when someone can listen and be quiet and not interrupt.

I learned when I was a student in Connecticut. I had an Italian-American teacher who gave me classes for a week, and then said, "Okay, you're ready." And I wasn't ready. I didn't know how to drive!. But he knew the policeman who gave the test. And that's how I got through.