In all my novels, a sense of place - not just geographic but social - is a critical element. I have always been drawn to the novels of Edith Wharton, among others, where social dynamics are crucial. Wharton's class consciousness fascinates me, and some of the tension in my books stems from that.

Writing is a struggle no matter what the genre.

What's difficult to understand about German opera? It's always the same. Boy meets girl, boy falls in love, girl gets devoured by horrible winged creature with claws.

Tell the story that's in your heart, and don't hold back. Write a book the reader will want to melt into.

It is a great virtue to be needed. Greater, even, than being liked

An event in the present evokes past sensations. But science couldn't explain how a foolish heart had the power to overrule common sense.

On Sunday, something washed up on shore.