Men are not the causers of history. History itself, by a pressure of events, causes men to resort to particular actions.

Writing is writing, and stories are stories. Perhaps the only true genres are fiction and nonfiction. And even there, who can be sure?

The bitterness of joy lies in the knowledge that is cannot last. Nor should joy last beyond a certain season, for, after that season, even joy would become merely habit.

She looked, and a scarlet butterfly flew away from her, away down the length of the tower, and then another, another, an unraveling scarf of butterflies like winged blood.

Archetypes are universal, and, in subtle or extravagant ways, interchangeable.

We need the expressive arts, the ancient scribes, the storytellers, the priests.

The soul is a magician. Only living flesh hampers it.

When I am fascinated by something, I like to play with it.

I submitted manuscripts to publishers. This was not so much a feeling that I should be published as a wish to escape the feared and hated drudgery of normal work.

No one is ever ordinary.

Maidens who stay maidens turn into saints. Old women become sorceresses. Tough jobs, both of these.

Speak gently to young women as you would to your sisters

She wished now she'd brought that vibrator as a flashlight instead of leaving it on the couch.

For we know not what we should pray for.

Do you want to be an artist and a writer, or a wife and a lover? With kids, your focus changes. I don't want to go to PTA meetings.

Truth and eggs are useful only while they are fresh.

I have this strength that comes from knowledge.

A lot of things affect women differently than men, and women get left out.

We all have insecurities but you have to know you’re beautiful.

Once you've fallen from classical virtue, won't have a soul for to wake up and hold you.

Oh my God, I don't think you can say anyone looks forward to controversy.