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.

I was so happy when I went to Rome and I saw that the Romans eat them too, the squash blossoms. [...] No wonder I like the Italians!

I think diseases have no eyes. They pick with a dizzy finger anyone, just anyone.

If you're going to write about the river, you've got to get in.

I don't really think our government at heart wants peace. So I urge you, write to Mrs. Laura Bush, because she reads.

I am a woman, and I am a Latina. Those are the things that make my writing distinctive. Those are the things that give my writing power.

Each book gets harder, each book gets harder and harder. I always feel like crying when I have to write.