I revise and revise and revise. I'm not even sure "revise" is the right word. I work a story almost to death before it's done.

Actually, you’re not famous at all. Maybe you’ll get some traction after you’re dead?

I think anything we do - eating, walking down the street, online shopping - gives you another perspective on writing stories.

I sometimes wonder if our memories are a myth. We think we remember, but we are remembering the story and not the actual event?

I agree with the Lev Tolstoy quote completely, but I also feel like there's more to it. What is a happy family and an unhappy family? We're probably both of those things at the same time.

A stellar, fully-realized collection of stories... grounded, wonderfully, in the river valleys of western Maine. You come away not only understanding a place but the soul of its people.

I've spent a lot of time in prisons, first doing legal work and later, teaching.

If a novel or a story works, you don't stop thinking about it; it doesn't truly end.

I have a friend who teaches yoga (or is it pilates?), and she said that I don't seem to live in the moment. And I said, "Exactly!" I'd go nuts if I lived in the moment.

I think some writers should wait for something to say.

I've spent so many years living in one place and imaging another.

It is our responsibility to discover our talents, to accept them as from God, to develop them through education and training, and to use them for His glory.

The sea is nothing but a library of all the tears in history.

Almost all absurdity of conduct arises in individual, when displayed ego and self portrayed images are not recognised by anyone.

The difference between famous creators and struggling artists is that the creators know that improving the lives of others deserves the highest reward.

Honestly, after about three years on a show, you're like, 'Thank you very much for giving me a step up. Now can I go do movies?'

Honey, have you seen your sister?” She’s on Jupiter, Mom.

I needed to be pushed as an artist and as a person.

My brother and I grew up in a musical family. We have an older sister who sings and plays the piano. Our dad is a musician. Music was always a part of our lives.

Peace is not the absence of conflict, but the ability to cope with it

Expect the unexpected, and always be ready - everyone has inside them what it takes to be successful. You just have to be ready to unleash it when the opportunity presents itself.