I often felt myself to be an outsider, which is great training for all writers.

The beginning of the end can feel a lot like the middle when you are living in it.

When you're a kid, it's hard to tell the innocuous secrets from the ones that will kill you if you keep them.

Fiction helps me to reconnect with the true, deep weirdness inherent in everyday reality, in our dealings with one another, in just being alive.

It was sad and fierce all at once, alive with a lonely purity.

My older sister has entire kingdoms inside of her, and some of them are only accessible at certain seasons, in certain kinds of weather.

I spent most of my 20s with these alligator wrestlers in the swamps of South Florida.

It is a special kind of homelessness to be evicted from your dreams.

Self-disciplin e is necessary, but so is playfulness, flexibility, joy. When you stop demanding perfection of yourself, your writing desk will become a spacious place.

There are certain prehistoric things that swim beyond extinction.

You small mortals don't realize the power of your stories.

Our plans miscarry because they have no aim. When a man does not know what harbor he is making for no wind is the right wind.

Planning, awareness, and communication are essential in conducting all of our activities with a reasonable level of safety. Accidents are novelty gone bad.

To portray a maniac offers a compelling challenge.

I never doubted that I would be a good mayor. I never did.

I am trying to beat the guy sitting across from me and trying to choose the moves that are most unpleasant for him and his style.

I would love to learn other languages, maybe French? My uncle speaks German so maybe also German? Chinese seems to be too difficult.

I've been in a lot of trouble and come out of it. I think it shows a lot of good character.

I believe that anyone using the phrase 'That's so cool' should have to stand in the corner.

My favorite snack would have to be Fritos, no doubt about it. Fritos and mayonnaise. I know. Really healthy, isn't it?

For the most part, I'm extremely thankful for the life I have and what I get to do in the future.