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I don't lead a writer's life. And I think that can be a source of suspicion and irritation to some people.

Today, writers want to impress other writers.

I've always thought that one of the least successful encounters is meeting a writer one admires. For one thing, writers are generally much kinder, more empathetic, more generous people on the page than they are in person.

Writers have opinions - that, in part, is why they write. Therefore they have strong likes and dislikes.

But a lot of writers - and I'm one of them - do tend to feel dissatisfied. It makes you a little hard to live with, but it's a goad and does keep you alert and restless.

Even those who write against fame wish for the fame of having written well, and those who read their works desire the fame of having read them.

I think it's easier to be cynical. I think the temptation, often, among writers is to write about anything other than real, true, deep feelings.

I enjoy being influenced by other writers.

Writers are socially observant. We find people endlessly fascinating, and real life is mysterious. Sometimes it's hard to stop staring at the strut and squawk of my fellow man. They can be quite inspiring. Sometimes it's hard to stop talking to them to see what in the world they're thinking.