In brief, I spend half my time trying to learn the secrets of other writers - to apply them to the expression of my own thoughts.

Oak trees come out of acorns, no matter how unlikely that seems. An acorn is just a tree's way back into the ground. For another try. Another trip through. One life for another.

One of my current pet theories is that the winter is a kind of evangelist, more subtle than Billy Graham, of course, but of the same stuff.

Haven't you ever noticed how highways always get beautiful near the state capital?

At the end of a marriage it is difficult to recall the beginning.

I've had that experience many, many, times - when you don't get roles. I'd developed a good muscle for shaking it off.

There is no cure for narrowness of mind.

Poems come from incomplete knowledge.

Habits are critical for players. They cannot think and play well at the same time.

Once you're in a particular country, and you're surrounded by musicians who are so adept at traditional music, you suddenly realize how much there is to explore and digest and learn and experience.

I think surprises are what's great about life: "WHOA! I didn't see that coming!"

I was always daydreaming about singing in big productions on Broadway.

I really (became) very independent. I was start(ed) to write one-woman shows and mak(e) films and to me I think I really felt like my choice (was) more important than any kind of career goal.

The most merciful thing a large family can do to one of its infant members is to kill it.

That is how His Majesty [the Lord] rewards our good works---I mean, by predisposing us to perform better ones.