But I think there are a set of experiences that turn a potential writer into a working writer, and then there are places in your life were you start to recognize what you want to do.

Formula: Second Draft = First Draft minus 10%.

I felt lonely and content at the same time. I believe that is a rare kind of happiness.

...it was more like bleeding than crying.

She couldn't be on his wavelength all the time. That's all. When you could recognize that and deal with it, you were on your way to an adult relationship.

I know your mother lives in your head - almost everyone's mother does, I guess - but you can't let her have her way on this one

I understand from my own work that haste makes waste. But I also understand that ... the creative spark dims, and then death puts it out. William Shakespeare, for instance, hasn’t produced a new play for 400 years. That, my friends, is a long dry spell.