my experience as a fiction writer tells me that the deeper I look into myself, the more universal is the experience I find there.

Never think of revising as fixing something that is wrong. That starts you off in a negative frame of mind. Rather think of it as an opportunity to improve something you already love.

It is the nature of stories to leave out far more than they include.

Writing the opening lines of a story is a bit like starting to ski at the steepest part of a hill. You must have all your skills under control from the first instant.

It is curious how believable I can be when I criticize myself, how unconvincing when I give myself praise.

Where do storytellers find the wisdom to discover their own stories? From no place more mysterious than their own hearts.

Description needs to slide into a story like a snake through grass - silently, almost invisibly, without calling attention to itself. It should enrich every story moment without slowing the action.

another word for talent is obsession.

when you are dealing with art, any kind of art, your pleasure in making it is what matters most.

I was an adult before I began to learn that there is a difference between a conversation and an argument.

Human beings are storytelling animals. That's what separates us from other creatures, not just having thumbs or using tools.

In the pursuit of knowledge, no one should travel alone

Even I, as sick as I am, I would never be you. Even I, sick and depraved, a traveler to the grave, I would never be you.

You MUST do what you love. Sometimes your passion will be the only thing that keeps you motivated.

I had accepted a job being a math teacher for Teach For America. So, that's what I would have done at least in the two years after I graduated.

When I joined the ANC, I never thought I would be anything. In no way, did I say, 'One day I could be the president. I think I am good material for the presidency.' Not at all.

Some people give their problems swimming lessons instead of drowning them.

I'd probably say to my younger self, get yourself a whole collection of lawyers. Which is what I have now.

Where they do agree on the stage, their unanimity is wonderful.

The best way to dispel negative thoughts is to require that they have a purpose.

The benefits of feminism have been unequally distributed, because the move toward gender equality and gender neutrality has been countered to a large extent by the increase in economic inequality.