I always tell people this when they're looking for an agent - they should love your work. You are entitled to work with someone who believes in you. Why do business with someone who is ambivalent about you and your art?

It should be said upfront that I totally dig people who work in bookstores and libraries. They love books, and I love books, and that is all I really need to know. If they are friendly to me, then we are clearly soul mates.

I don't think there's any topic a writer should feel afraid of tackling just because it has already been discussed. If you feel you have a fresh perspective and an understanding of a certain emotional truth, it's always worth writing.

If he and his agent are coming in looking for the maximum amount, which they are certainly entitled to do, it's just not going to happen.

Food and love are all intertwined at our core level. It can be a very nurturing, wonderful, loving thing.

I have very distinct memories about growing up as part of what was then a very small Jewish community in Buffalo Grove, IL.