When you define the audience, the performer becomes what the audience wants. Politicians do that all the time.
Imagination might not be limitless. It's still tethered to the universe of what we know.
For sometimes you can't help but crave some ruin in what you love.
It is 'where we are' that should make all the difference, whether we believe we belong there or not.
As for what's the most challenging aspect of teaching, it's convincing younger writers of the importance of reading widely and passionately.
Obviously loss of family is huge and critical, but I think really it's more about losing a sense of family. The horror of that kind of incompleteness. Writing this book, I tried not to think about my father, which does no one any good fictionally. I did try to imagine not just the horror of that moment, but the horror of having witnessed it, and the lifelong void. And I think that's what's so frightening.
The truth, finally, is who can tell it.
I've never had a message for anyone in my entire life. Except maybe to give out my room number.
I have always said 'yes' to opportunities and experiences.
Most girls are attracted to the simple things in life. Like men.
I definitely gravitate towards things like vegetables, chicken, brown rice, but I don't deprive myself of anything. If I want a Sprinkles cupcake, I'm having a Sprinkles cupcake. But I'm not going to have one every day. . . you just have to have a sensible outlook on all of it.