I'm an immigrant and I've always wanted to write something about America.

I was not running away from anything when I left Canada. ... I didn't come to America for economic opportunity, although I have certainly enjoyed it. But every fourth Thursday of November, I have given thanks ... because America has been virtually everything I hoped it would be.

Always have a sense of humor about life - you'll need it - but always be courteous to boot.

What I wanted in life always was to write something as good as 'Pinocchio.' I wanted to write. I wanted to evolve. I wanted to grow.

America was and is the immigrant's dream.

I've always shied away from conventional wisdom, though I know the power of it.