...Attempts at imitation would put the emphasis where it didn't belong. The goal was to improve the lives of others, not oneself.

My big struggle is how people can not care, erase, not remember.

I want my prose to be as clear as a pane of glass.

What interests me is trying to catch the reflection of the human being on the page. I'm interested in how ordinary people live their lives

The problem is fundamental... It is as if a secret committee, now lost to history, has made a study of children and, having figured out what the greatest number were least disposed to declared that all of them should do it.

I think if the writing comes too easily, it shows - it's usually hard to read.

I do believe in God. I think God has given so much power to people, and intelligence, and said, 'Well, you are on your own. Maybe I'm tired, I need a nap. You are mature. Why don't you look after yourselves?' And I think He's been sleeping too much.