Fiction is life by design.

But besides that I was of an unforgiving disposition from my birth, slow to take offense, slower to forget it, and now incensed both against my companion and myself.

We who are residing in a foreign country, away from the immediate scene of action, perhaps can feel more deeply than those at home the evil effects of the present distracted condition of our country.

The point... is to dwell upon the brightest parts in every prospect to call off the thoughts when turning upon disagreeable objects and strive to be pleased with the present circumstances.

I defer to all these other American poets who, for some reason, I both envy and admire.

To him whose elastic and vigorous thought keeps pace with the sun, the day is a perpetual morning.

Make A Difference Day is a great way to introduce kids to the rewards of volunteering. It's fun, it's focused and it's empowering to know that millions are motivated to do the same.

... what would Poirot do? Poirot wouldn't flap around in a panic. He'd stay calm and use his little grey cells and recall some tiny, vital detail which would be the clue to everything.

Her name is Wanda, not it. You will not touch her. Any mark you leave on her, I will double on your worthless hide.

My night out would be with my husband, wherever he chose to take me.

The most common human act that writing a novel resembles is lying. The working novelist lies daily, very complexly, and at great length.