The character of Rosie is based on a woman who used to live in the same apartment building I lived in many years ago. She's taken on a life of her own, of course.

Society values cooperation over independence, obedience over individuality, and niceness above all else.

Grief rolled across the space between us like a wash of salt water.

If high heels were so wonderful, men would still be wearing them.

My notion of an elegant table is you don't leave the knife sticking out of the mayonnaise jar.

Dream big but think small.

I focus on the writing and let the rest of the process take care of itself. I've learned to trust my own instincts and I've also learned to take risks.