"A novel is, hopefully, the starting point of a conversation, one in which the author engages readers..." — Anne Fortier

I think Shakespeare is everybody's treasure.

In many ways, a degree in the history of ideas is the ideal training for an aspiring writer.

Verona is a very beautiful city, but Siena just never ceases to fascinate me.

I'm from Europe, and I was very aware that there are a lot of literature snobs - especially in Europe. As soon as something becomes a success, it has to be bad, and then they'll do everything they can to stab it to death.