It's difficult for me to have a large story, a very large story - a novel is a large story. I'm used to writing and doing these little miniature paintings.

I know there are a lot of women who are afraid of driving on highways.

I've always read broadly: literary fiction, sci-fi, fantasy, chick lit, historical, dystopian, nonfiction, memoir. I've even read Westerns. I prefer female protagonists.

Mexicans don't think of ghosts as haunting you.

Like all guests, after a fortnight, grief is best beyond the door.

I am one who leaves the table like a man, without putting back the chair or picking up the plate

I am not in touch with other writers. I don't have very much contact with other writers. I don't get invited to these things or I don't go to them. I hate panels. I speak to librarians and to conferences of English teachers. That's what I do: teachers and librarians. And high school kids.